When to buy organic produce

By Published On: March 31st, 2010

The price can sometimes be a little off-putting, so use […]

strawberriesThe price can sometimes be a little off-putting, so use this list to help make your decisions. Some foods are worth the extra buck; others it won’t hurt to pass on.
The dirty dozen
These fruits and veggies carry high levels of pesticide residue and should be bought organic when possible.

  1. Apples
  2. Bell peppers
  3. Celery
  4. Cherries
  5. Grapes
  6. Nectarines
  7. Peaches
  8. Pears
  9. Potatoes
  10. Raspberries
  11. Spinach
  12. Strawberries

The not-so-dirty dozen
These foods generally do not contain pesticide residue; the additional cost for organic varieties might not be justified.

  1. Asparagus
  2. Avocados
  3. Bananas
  4. Broccoli
  5. Cauliflower
  6. Corn
  7. Kiwis
  8. Mangos
  9. Onions
  10. Papayas
  11. Peas
  12. Pineapples

Remember, before consuming any fruit or vegetable, scrub it well with a produce wash to remove any dirt, bacteria or lingering pesticides.