Apricots are nutritious fruit providing relatively high level carotenoids, vitamins A and C and potassium. A host of other fruits and vegetables provide vitamins A, C and other nutrients. Green beans provide modest amounts of vitamins C, A and potassium, but little in the way of carotenoids. Safer and more nutritious alternatives include green peas, broccoli, zucchini, potatoes and many other vegetables. Grapes are tasty, but provide few vitamins or carotenoids.
Cucumbers have few vitamins or carotenoids.
Substitutes for cucumbers include just about any vegetable not included on the most contaminated list. Some foods are low in pesticides and pesticide risks and high in vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. Sweet potatoes, broccoli, watermelon, and Brussels sprouts fit this bill, providing lots of vitamins, carotenoids and minerals, along with relatively few pesticides. To complement the 12 most contaminated crops, we present the twelve cleanest crops. While no one should eat only these 12 foods, it is noteworthy that the fruits and vegetables with the lowest contamination scores also provide a broad array of nutritional health benefits.