EWG released the ninth annual version of "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce". This yearly analysis uses more than 28,000 samples which are tested by the FDA and the Department of Agriculture and ranks them based on testable pesticides.
The "Dirty Dozen" are foods which you should probably shovel out the extra money and buy the organic version, where as the "Clean Fifteen" may allow you to save out and get the regular versions if you are on a budget.
It's also mentionable to note that the WORST produce for pesticide is the Apple, followed by strawberries, grapes and celery. If you really don't have many options, then they recommend you avoid these products unless they are organic.
The Dirty Dozen:
Apples
Celery
Cherries
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Grapes
Hot Peppers
Nectarines
Peaches
Potatoes
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Bell Peppers
*Collards, Kale, Zucchini and Summer Squash have some very specific pesticides and although they do not make the dirty dozen list, EWG felt they were worth mentioning.
Clean Fifteen:
Asparagus
Avocado
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Mangos
Mushrooms
Onions
Papaya
Pineapple
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Sweet Potatoes
