Nectarines
(images via: Washington Post/Ron Holman and Naturally Savvy)
Though many are under the impression nectarines are a cross between peaches and plums, in actuality they’re skinless peaches – the fuzz doesn’t grow due to the presence of a recessive gene. While the lack of chemical-catching fuzz might seem to be a good thing, nectarines are treated with pesticides like most other orchard fruits and their smooth skin makes them more appealing for casual eating. Another fun fact: according to the FAO, slightly half of the world’s 20.53 million metric tons of peaches and nectarines grown in 2010 came from China, where regulations governing pesticide use are loosely enforced and regularly flouted.
Potatoes
(image via: Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association)
You’d think that growing underground, potatoes would be somewhat shielded from the rain of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides rained down on fruit and vegetable crops from above. Think again: researchers from the USDA Pesticide Data Program recorded no less than 37 pesticide residues on samples of the popular veggie, 7 of which are deemed to be known or probable human carcinogens and 11 being toxic to honeybees. That really stings.
(images via: KFPE and Environmental Graffiti)
Things are looking up for the humble spud, however. In 2010 German pesticide producer Bayer AG agreed to phase out production of Aldicarb, a systemic insecticide and nematicide used on crops including potatoes, and to discontinue its sale in the United States. As farmers were allowed to use up previously purchased stocks of Aldicarb by the end of 2011, we can count one less harmful chemical seasoning our fries… just 36 to go!

