When to buy organic?

The EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ (aka Dirty Dozen and Clean 15) is updated each year and ranks pesticide contamination on 48 popular fruits and vegetables (www.ewg.org). The guide is based on results of more than 35,200 samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.

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The top 15 foods with the least pesticides are called the Clean 15, while the 12 foods with the most pesticides are called the Dirty Dozen. These lists are fantastic to take with you on your shopping trips to know when to buy organic and when it’s ok to buy conventional.

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THE DIRTY DOZEN: buy these organic whenever possible – Updated 2026

Blueberries / Potatoes / Pears / Blackberries / Apples / Cherries / Peaches / Nectarines / Grapes / Strawberries / Kale, Collard & Musard Greens / Spinach

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THE CLEAN 15: these are ok to buy conventional (not organic) – Updated 2026

Pineapples / Sweet Corn (fresh and frozen) / Avocados / Papaya / Onion / Sweet Peas (frozen) / Asparagus / Cabbage / Cauliflower / Watermelon / Mangoes / Bananas / Carrots / Mushrooms / Kiwi

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