What a wonderful story, Ramona. Thank you for sharing it with us. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

You’re welcome, Angie–thank you for being part of our community! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thanks for the lovely feedback, Carmen! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Hi Shirley! The good news is that plums are not on this year’s official Dirty Dozen list from the Environmental Working Group, which currently includes spinach, kale and collard and mustard greens, strawberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, blackberries, pears, potatoes, and blueberries. So plums rank lower in overall pesticide contamination than those items.

That said, there is one thing worth knowing. EWG’s most recent testing found that a fungicide called fludioxonil, which falls into a category known as PFAS or forever chemicals, showed up in nearly 90 percent of both peach and plum samples. Since plums and peaches are closely related stone fruits with thin, delicate skins, they tend to pick up similar residues. So while plums did not make the official Dirty Dozen this year, this is a reasonable one to keep an eye on if you eat them often.

If it fits your budget, choosing organic plums, especially if you eat them regularly, is a sensible way to reduce exposure. If organic is not accessible, conventional plums are still a healthy choice. Rinsing them well under running water helps reduce surface residue, and some people also use a short soak in a water and baking soda solution, which research suggests can help remove even more. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I’m sure your future self thanks you for this wonderful gift 🙂 –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

How wonderful, Barbara–thank you for sharing this with us. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

That sounds wonderful, Pam! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

There’s nothing better than fresh cherries when they are in season! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

There are definitely benefits of living in warmer climates when it comes to fresh produce! I hope you can find some good ones in Canada at least occasionally. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team