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I've been working under the assumption for some time that produce that you were going to peel was mostly safe to buy conventionally (in terms of eating, not human rights, or carbon footprint). We were in a pinch a while back and bought some conventional apples that we peeled, but there was still a distinctive chemical taste even in the center of the apple.

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I can't find it anymore, but I heard of a study where the gorillas would only eat the peel of a banana if it was organic. If it wasn't, they'd eat only the flesh. – Korion Feb 7 2012 at 12:20
That chemical taste was in your head. Seriously, you psyched yourself out. – Matt Feb 7 2012 at 12:29
I disagree, Matt. I can really taste the difference between organic and non-organic broccoli. I don't taste chemicals though, the non-organic broccoli tastes like crap. – Korion Feb 7 2012 at 12:57
I guess being a true paleo believer gives one super taste buds that detect a new flavor - paleoness. – Matt Feb 7 2012 at 13:45
It's only with broccoli (I've also tested spinach, chinese cabbage, green beans and zucchinis), but yeah, I guess I have super taste buds. – Korion Feb 7 2012 at 16:42
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5 Answers

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It depends on the pesticide. Some are systemic and are picked up and distributed through the entire plant, although some tissues may have higher concentrations than others.

It's not all ground water related either. Some pesticides (such as imidacloprid) are used intentionally for their systemic affects. Some such as Dieldrin (off the market) are highly persistant and picked up from soil for years after application.

Good places for more info:

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/pesticide/pestfate.htm

http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/index.jsp

http://www.pesticideinfo.org/

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Yes, I think what you are referring to is beauty.

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Cute...sounds like a jumping off point for a mad scientist science project extracting samples from beautiful people to test for pesticide residue. – Happy Now Feb 7 2012 at 17:31
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I would skip any apples from bad sources, they use quite alot of pesticides. Many other fruits often are cleaner, like pineapples and kiwis.

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I think thicker-skinned fruits are probably the ones that are safest if you peel them (oranges, bananas, etc.). Not sure how protective the thin apple skin is as far as the chemicals getting through.

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Yes. EWG published a study earlier this year showing which produce has the most pesticides despite cleaning. The problem is that pesticides are picked up from ground water.

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I checked the site out, but couldn't find any mention of groundwater contamination, do you know which section it was under? – Happy Now Feb 7 2012 at 17:13

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