All foods, including fruits and vegetables, have a pH range from zero to 14. High-acid foods have a pH closer to zero. Consuming a large amount of high-acid foods can damage your teeth and irritate your stomach. Produce with a pH closer to 14 are high in alkaline or are considered basic. Neutral foods range from five to seven on the pH scale. You should balance both acidic and basic foods in your diet, according to HeartSpring.net.
High-Acid Produce
Fruits tend to be more acidic than vegetables. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and grapefruits, are very acidic. Nectarines, pears, plums, cherries and apricots range from slightly acidic to very acidic, depending on the variety. Small wild strawberries are very acidic while large greenhouse strawberries are less acidic. Fresh summertime fruits like pineapple and kiwi also have high acid levels. Most vegetables are low in acid, but some varieties of leafy greens, such as spinach, can be higher in acid. All canned fruits and vegetables are high in acid to prevent spoilage. You will often see the preservative citric acid on the label of canned fruits and vegetables.
Neutral Produce
Several varieties of produce lie right in the middle of the pH scale and are considered neutral. You may notice foods that are neutral have a mild flavor. Fruits that are normally acidic, may become more neutral as they ripen and become overripe. An apple, for example, is tart at the peak of its freshness. After this point, it begins to deteriorate, the flavor is blander and it becomes more neutral. Fruits that are naturally neutral include mangoes, red apples, watermelon, peaches and figs. Neutral vegetables include cauliflower, turnips and summer squash.
High Alkaline Produce
Very few fruits are high in alkaline. Bananas are the best source of a high-alkaline fruit. You have more choices in vegetables if you are looking for high-alkaline foods. Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and yams, are high in alkaline. Several types of non-starchy veggies are also high in alkaline. Some of these include zucchini, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers and green beans.
Other Considerations
Pickled vegetables are very acidic. These foods are prepared in vinegar and seasonings. Pickles, which are made from cucumbers, are the most common type of pickled food. Dried fruit can vary. Raisins, dates, dried apricots and bananas are all basic on the pH scale. Prunes, dried apricots, apples, peaches and mangoes are all acidic varieties of dried fruits. According to My Pyramid, 1/4-cup of dried fruit is equivalent to 1/2-cup of fresh fruit. This will count toward the 2 to 3 cups of fruit you should consume each day.
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