If you’re trying to balance health, environment, and budget, consider the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists compiled annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The Dirty Dozen highlights the fruits and vegetables that typically have the highest levels of pesticide residues and may be worth buying organic, while the Clean 15 lists produce that generally has lower pesticide levels and may be safe to buy conventionally.
- Dirty Dozen (higher pesticide residues): Apples, strawberries, grapes, cherries, peaches, nectarines, etc.
- Clean 15 (lower pesticide residues): Avocados, corn, pineapples, onions, papayas, and sweet peas.
1. Strawberries
- Why organic? Strawberries consistently rank high for pesticide residues. Since they have delicate skin, they absorb pesticides more easily, making them one of the best choices for organic buying.
- Common pesticides: Methyl bromide, captan, and thiabendazole.
2. Apples
- Why organic? Apples are heavily sprayed with pesticides, including fungicides and herbicides. Conventional apples often have high levels of pesticide residues, and since they are eaten with their skins on, you ingest more.
- Common pesticides: Diphenylamine (DPA), phosmet, and carbaryl.
3. Grapes (Imported)
- Why organic? Grapes are often treated with fungicides and insecticides. Imported grapes, particularly those from countries with looser regulations, are more likely to contain pesticide residues.
- Common pesticides: Sulfur, iprodione, and cyprodinil.
4. Cherries
- Why organic? Cherries are delicate, and farmers often use pesticides to protect them from pests. They are also often sprayed with pesticides before harvesting.
- Common pesticides: Chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid.
5. Peaches
- Why organic? Peaches are highly susceptible to pests, and conventional peaches often carry high levels of pesticide residues. The fuzzy skin also tends to trap chemicals.
- Common pesticides: Methomyl, carbaryl, and imidacloprid.
6. Nectarines
- Why organic? Like peaches, nectarines have a thin skin that can absorb pesticides. They are also prone to pests, so conventional farming often uses insecticides and fungicides.
- Common pesticides: Chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, and thiophanate-methyl.
7. Pears
- Why organic? Pears are commonly treated with pesticides, and their skin can trap pesticide residues. They can carry similar risks to apples.
- Common pesticides: Phosmet, chlorpyrifos, and thiacloprid.
8. Tomatoes (Imported)
- Why organic? Imported tomatoes can have high pesticide residue levels, and they often have to be treated with fungicides and insecticides.
- Common pesticides: Bifenthrin, imidacloprid, and chlorothalonil.
9. Spinach
- Why organic? Spinach has very delicate leaves, so it absorbs pesticides and chemicals easily. It also tends to be heavily sprayed.
- Common pesticides: Permethrin, malathion, and chlorpyrifos.
10. Bell Peppers
- Why organic? Bell peppers are often grown with pesticides and may have higher residues than other vegetables, especially when conventionally grown.
- Common pesticides: Chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and permethrin.
11. Celery
- Why organic? Celery has a lot of surface area, which means it can absorb pesticides more easily. It’s also often treated with fungicides and insecticides.
- Common pesticides: Chlorpyrifos, permethrin, and diazinon.
12. Potatoes
- Why organic? Potatoes are often heavily sprayed with pesticides to prevent pest damage and fungal infections. They absorb chemicals through their skin.
- Common pesticides: Chlorothalonil, imidacloprid, and malathion.
The Clean 15: Low Pesticide Residues
On the flip side, the Clean 15 are fruits and vegetables that generally have lower pesticide residues, even when conventionally grown. These may be safer to buy non-organic if you’re looking to save money. Here’s the list:
1. Avocados
- Why conventional is okay: Avocados have thick, inedible skins that protect them from pesticide contamination. They are typically treated less heavily than other produce.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues, with some possible use of fungicides.
2. Sweet Corn
- Why conventional is okay: Sweet corn has a husk that protects the kernels from pesticide exposure, so it generally has lower residues.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal, but can include Bt sprays (natural insecticides).
3. Pineapples
- Why conventional is okay: Pineapples have thick, tough skins that protect the fruit inside from pesticide contamination.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues, with some possible use of fungicides.
4. Onions
- Why conventional is okay: Onions tend to have lower pesticide residues, partly due to their skin and their ability to be grown with fewer chemicals.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal, though sometimes treated with fungicides.
5. Papayas
- Why conventional is okay: Like pineapples, papayas have thick skins that keep the edible portion safe from pesticide residues.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues, although imported papayas might have some residual pesticides.
6. Sweet Peas (Frozen)
- Why conventional is okay: Frozen sweet peas tend to have lower pesticide residues because they are frozen shortly after harvest, which reduces exposure to chemicals.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticides, but some farmers may use insecticides or fungicides.
7. Asparagus
- Why conventional is okay: Asparagus generally has lower pesticide residues, as it is a perennial crop with fewer pest problems.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
8. Mangoes
- Why conventional is okay: Mangoes have tough skin that protects them from pesticides. Most mango farms also use fewer chemicals.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
9. Eggplant
- Why conventional is okay: Eggplants have relatively low pesticide residues compared to many other vegetables.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
10. Cantaloupe
- Why conventional is okay: The tough rind of cantaloupes helps protect them from pesticide residues. They are also typically grown with fewer chemicals.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
11. Cauliflower
- Why conventional is okay: Cauliflower is relatively low in pesticide residues, especially when grown conventionally.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
12. Broccoli
- Why conventional is okay: Broccoli tends to have lower pesticide residues compared to other vegetables, making it a better choice for conventional farming.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
13. Sweet Potatoes
- Why conventional is okay: Sweet potatoes typically have a thicker skin that protects the edible part from pesticide residues.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
14. Kiwi
- Why conventional is okay: Kiwi’s fuzzy skin protects it from pesticides, and it tends to have lower pesticide residues.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
15. Watermelon
- Why conventional is okay: Watermelon’s thick rind helps protect it from pesticide contamination.
- Common pesticides (if used): Minimal pesticide residues.
Which Fruits to Prioritize Organic
Based on pesticide residue levels, the following fruits are generally worth prioritizing as organic options:
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes (imported)
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
Which Fruits Are Safer to Buy Conventional?
For these fruits, buying conventionally grown may be fine if you’re looking to save money:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapples
- Onions
- Papayas
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Eggplant
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Kiwi
- Watermelon
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to minimize pesticide exposure and align with environmental sustainability, buying organic for the Dirty Dozen can be a good strategy. For other fruits and vegetables that have lower pesticide residues (the Clean 15), you can often buy conventional without worrying much about pesticides.
By focusing on organic for high-pesticide produce and conventional for low-pesticide produce, you can strike a balance between health, environmental concerns, and budget.
