As a grandmother, it’s concerning to learn that blackberries and strawberries, along with blueberries, are listed in the “Dirty Dozen” as some of the most pesticide-laden produce grown in the United States. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has produced the annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce since 2004, and the 2026 list also includes cherries, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, nectarines, and leafy greens such as kale and spinach.
Pesticide Exposure Risks
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death. Exposure in childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer. Studies show pesticides are also associated with lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer, and an increase in genetic damage in humans.
However, there is a bright spot: raspberries. Partly due to the way they are grown, raspberries aren’t in the 2026 list. In fact, they rank much closer to EWG’s “Clean Fifteen” group of fruits and vegetables with fewest pesticides.
Washing Produce
You can effectively remove many “contact” pesticides that sit on the surface of a fruit or vegetable. However, “systemic” pesticides, which are absorbed through the roots and leaves of a plant, become part of the fruit and cannot be washed off. The best solution is to buy organic versions of the most pesticide-laden produce, including berries.
A short soak in baking soda or vinegar can reduce levels of contact pesticides in berries and other produce. Use a teaspoon of baking soda for each 2 cups of water and soak most produce for five to 10 minutes. Berries may only require soaking for one to two minutes.
Best Way to Wash Blackberries
The latest USDA testing data from 2024 found that the 885 samples of nonorganic blackberries contained four pesticide residues on average. The synthetic pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin was detected on nearly half of all samples. A 30- to 60-second dip in 1% baking soda followed by a thorough cool-water rinse and immediate drying on a clean towel is the right household approach.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
