Conventional produce: Which has the most pesticides?

As a general rule, skinless or soft-skinned fruits and vegetables pose greater pesticide risk than produce with thick skins, shells, or peels that are not eaten. According to The Organic Center, imported berries, grapes, leafy greens, and other highly perishable foods have pesticide-residue scores as much as two or three times as high as the same domestically grown foods, so it’s worth noting where produce items come from.

Dirty Dozen (best to buy organic)

1. Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Bell peppers

8. Spinach

9. Kale

10. Cherries

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes (imported)

Clean 15 (fewest pesticide residues)

1. Onions

2. Avocado

3. Sweet corn

4. Pineapples

5. Mango

6. Sweet peas

7. Asparagus

8. Kiwi fruit

9. Cabbage

10. Eggplant

11. Cantaloupe

12. Watermelon

13. Grapefruit

14. Sweet potatoes

15. Honeydew melon

Source: Environmental Working Group (foodnews.org)