2nd entry for today -- Raisins: Demon Seeds or Wrinkled Heaven??

I had previously put raisins on my "do not eat" list and promised that I'd follow up with some info. I've been reading and researching the subject, and here are my unscientific results:

Grapes (future raisins) are one of the most pesticide-treated crops. They are also one of the toughest to wash away the pesticide residue. Grapes actually absorb many of the chemicals sprayed upon them.

When they are dried to make raisins, the chemicals are concentrated. AND, the raisins are again treated with pesticides and other chemicals to promote a longer shelf life.

Organically grown raisins are supposedly free from all the chemical additives. So they are good. Yum.

from: http://www.whfoods.com/
Raisins and Pesticides
Even though pesticides are present in food at very small trace levels, their negative impact on health is well documented. The liver’s ability to process other toxins, the cells’ ability to produce energy, and the nerves’ ability to send messages can all be compromised by pesticide exposure. Individuals wanting to avoid these health risks may want to avoid consumption of raisins unless grown organically, since grapes (from which raisins are made) are among the 20 foods on which pesticide residues have been most frequently found.

You be the judge.