Dirty Dozen

The Dirty Dozen are the 12 fruits and vegetables that are grown using the most pesticides in commercial farming.  Therefore, it is in your best interest to buy these 12 in organic form (no pesticides).

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines
7. Grapes
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/Collard Greens

This list changes periodically as laws change and demand grows.  Cherries are also grown with a lot of pesticide.

The  Clean 15 are fruits and vegetables that require little or no pesticides in commercial farming.  Don't worry if these are organic or not.

1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet Peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplant
9. Cantaloupe
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

Finally, if you cannot afford to buy organic, please buy regular fruits and vegetables.  Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is more important than worrying about pesticides.  The health benefits outweigh the risks.