4 Surprisingly “Clean” Vegetables with Minimal Pesticides – A Must-Eat in Autumn

These vegetables require little pesticide because they have high resistance to pests during autumn, allowing them to grow well without heavy reliance on chemicals.

Autumn is the perfect season for many fresh and delicious vegetables. In particular, some vegetables possess natural pest resistance, meaning they can thrive without the need for excessive pesticide use.

4 Vegetables with Minimal Pesticides in Autumn

When shopping during autumn, homemakers can prioritize these vegetables to protect the health of the whole family.

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Radish

Radish is abundant in autumn. With its refreshing, sweet taste, rich vitamin C, and fiber, radish can be cooked in soups, stir-fried, boiled, or stewed with meat. As a low-pesticide vegetable, radish is also great for preventing seasonal respiratory problems.

Recipe – Dried Shrimp & Radish Soup
Thinly slice half a white radish and set aside. Heat a little oil in a pan, add a handful of dried shrimp, and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant. Crack in two eggs, pan-fry until golden brown on both sides, then cut into small pieces.

Add enough boiling water, then put in the radish slices and dried shrimp. Simmer for 8 minutes until the broth turns slightly milky. Add the fried egg pieces. Season with salt and a pinch of white pepper. You can also add goji berries for extra flavor.

Okra

Okra is another autumn vegetable that requires little pesticide. Crunchy and flavorful, okra contains mucilage rich in pectin and soluble fiber, which aid digestion. Even with simple cooking, okra has an irresistible taste.

Recipe – Blanched Okra
Rinse okra thoroughly without removing the stems to retain nutrients. Boil water with a little salt and a few drops of oil, blanch okra for 2–3 minutes. Once it turns bright green, remove immediately and soak in cold boiled water to keep it crisp and tender. Drain and serve.

For dipping sauce, mix light soy sauce, a little sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. The dish is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for the family table.

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Winter Melon (Wax Gourd)

Winter melon is refreshing, hydrating, and highly nutritious. Its mild sweetness and cooling properties make it excellent for reducing internal heat and promoting diuresis—perfect for the dry autumn season.

Recipe – Winter Melon, Mushroom & Egg Soup
Peel and julienne winter melon; slice shiitake mushrooms. Beat eggs, fry into a flat omelet, then cut into strips. In a pan, sauté sliced mushrooms until soft.

Add plenty of boiling water, then put in the winter melon strips and egg. Simmer for 5 minutes until the melon turns translucent. Season with salt and a dash of sesame oil. Garnish with chopped scallions. This soup is light, wholesome, and comforting.

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Lotus Root

Lotus root is a highly nutritious autumn vegetable, crisp, sweet, and enjoyable both raw and cooked. Raw lotus root is crunchy and refreshing, while cooked lotus root is soft, chewy, and fragrant. Rich in iron and fiber, it supports digestion and appetite.

Recipe – Lotus Root Salad with Seaweed & Beancurd Sheets
Peel and thinly slice lotus root, then soak in cold water with a splash of white vinegar to prevent discoloration. Soak dried beancurd sheets until soft, then cut into pieces. Soak and rinse seaweed until tender.

Blanch each ingredient separately, then cool and drain. Blanch lotus root for just 1 minute to keep it crisp. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add minced garlic, bell peppers, soy sauce, vinegar, a bit of sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well. The result is a flavorful, refreshing salad.

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Autumn is the season of delicious vegetables. Homemakers should take advantage of seasonal produce, which naturally requires fewer pesticides, to prepare safe, nutritious, and wholesome meals for the family.