The Dirty Dozen: Which Produce Should I Always Buy Organic?

For many years, conventional strawberries, specifically those grown in California, have been sprayed with a toxic fumigant called methyl bromide to control pests. However, due to its environmental and health risks, methyl bromide is slowly being phased out thanks to a 1990 mandate. For now, organic is still your best bet.

Conventional spinach is the worst offender of all leafy greens, with especially high levels of pesticide residues, including neurotoxins. Neurotoxins may attack nerve tissue, causing long-term health problems. The frozen variety isn’t much better, so stick with organic whenever possible.

This ruby-hued, soft-skinned fruit rounds out the top three. Because nectarines are closely related to peaches, they also carry many of the same pesticide issues. Similarly, the EWG found that 98% of all conventional nectarines carried at least one pesticide residue. Choose organic varieties.

Rinsing is said to have little effect on removing apples’ long list of pesticide residues. Peeling the skin may help, but this is where much of the apple’s nutritional benefits lie. Stick to organic—and consider organic varieties of apple juice and applesauce, too.

According to a previous EWG study, a single conventional grape contained 15 different types of pesticides. Thin skins on grapes provide little to no defense against these potentially harmful chemicals, so go organic—and also consider organic raisins and even wine.

Pesticide use on peaches is widespread due to their delicate nature and attraction to pests. According to the EWG’s report, 98% of all conventional peaches contained at least one pesticide residue. Our suggestion: Buy organic.

New to the list this year, 98 percent of the cherry samples tested positive for at least one pesticide residue. We recommend opting for organic versions.

Jumping up from 22nd, pears are high ranking on the Dirty Dozen list due to a dramatic increase in pesticide use. The amount of pesticide residue on pears has more than doubled since 2010 and more than 20 varieties were found on samples. 

Although down a spot, a large amount tomato samples tested positive for at least one pesticide residue. We recommend opting for organic versions.

Celery topped the EWG’s list in 2010. While this green stalky veggie has improved its score since then, it still contains higher than average pesticide residues. Similar to grapes, celery’s lack of protective skin makes it a prime target for chemical absorption.

Because they are tuberous stems that grow deep in the soil, potatoes absorb pesticides sprayed above the ground like a sponge. Buy organic when possible, or at least peel conventionally grown spuds.

A previous EWG study reported up to 15 pesticides in one conventional bell pepper. The use of imidacloprid, an insecticide that’s also used to treat fleas on pets, is common on peppers—and toxic in high enough doses according to the National Pesticide Information Center.