We all know that we really should buy organic as much as possible (it’s healthier for us and it supports the small scale farmer). But there are times when one simply cannot afford to totally go organic. Thankfully research has been done from the Environmental Working Group and below in ranking order of fruits and vegetables from worst with pesticide residue (buy organic at all costs) to the best with the least amount of residue (OK to buy non-organic). Detailed data sheet can be found here.
Rank (worst to best)
Buy Organic At All Costs
1 Peaches
2 Apples
3 Sweet Bell Peppers
4 Celery
5 Nectarines
6 Strawberries
7 Cherries
8 Lettuce
9 Grapes – Imported
10 Pears
11 Spinach
12 Potatoes
Try To Buy Organic If You Can
13 Carrots
14 Green Beans
15 Hot Peppers
16 Cucumbers
17 Raspberries
18 Plums
19 Oranges
20 Grapes – Domestic
21 Cauliflower
22 Tangerines
23 Mushrooms
24 Cantaloupe
25 Lemon
26 Honeydew Melon
27 Grapefruit
28 Winter Squash
29 Tomatoes
30 Sweet Potatoes
31 Watermelons
32 Blueberries
33 Papaya
OK To Buy Non-Organic
34 Eggplant
35 Broccoli
36 Cabbage
37 Bananas
38 Kiwi
39 Asparagus
40 Sweet Peas – Frozen
41 Mango
42 Pineapples
43 Sweet Corn – Frozen
44 Avocado
45 Onions
