Certain kinds of produce carry a heavy toxic load if they are grown with conventional methods that include pesticides. Others, for different reasons in how they are raised or what kind of skin/rind they form, do not. This PBS article has more detail but here are the two lists for quick reference.

We should only buy these “Dirty Dozen” organic:

• celery
• peaches
• strawberries
• apples
• domestic blueberries
• nectarines
• sweet bell peppers
• spinach, kale and collard greens
• cherries
• potatoes
• imported grapes
• lettuce

These “Clean 15” are safe to consume conventionally:

• onions
• avocados
• sweet corn
• pineapples
• mango
• sweet peas
• asparagus
• kiwi fruit
• cabbage
• eggplant
• cantaloupe
• watermelon
• grapefruit
• sweet potatoes
• sweet onions

Besides the direct toxic effects of pesticides on our bodies, there are plenty of other reasons to support balanced organic farming. But if we’re looking for a place to start, this list is a great one!