Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce

By Megan Tempest in Food on Jan 7, 2010 4:20PM

Why buy organic? Pesticide exposure poses a significant threat to our health, with children and infants being most vulnerable. Abundant pesticide use also wreaks environmental havoc by contaminating our water supply, increasing erosion and endangering our honeybees. In addition, conventionally farmed produce may be less nutritious than their organic counterparts. One study suggests organic tomatoes are notably higher in health-promoting antioxidants.

That being said, buying organic can no doubt be a challenge, not to mention carve a dent in your grocery budget. The following list, compiled by the Environmental Working Group, can help you pick and choose when to buy organic. The list is based on over 40,000 pesticide tests done on various types of produce, and even accounted for the methods by which people wash and prepare the produce.

Dirty Dozen
Peach
Apple
Sweet Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (imported)
Carrot
Pear

Clean Fifteen
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn (frozen)
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (frozen)
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato

Read the complete list here.