It should come as no surprise that eating conventionally-grown produce puts you at greater risk of exposure to pesticides. But, which fruits and veggies are the worst offenders and when should you buy organic versus conventionally-grown?

Organic Essentials has produced a free, downloadable (PDF) pocket-guide listing both domestic and imported produce to help you determine which produce “pose the most significant pesticide-related risks and – therefore – are the most critical produce items for consumers to purchase as organic.”

The following fruits and vegetables currently present the highest risk:
Domestically Grown Conventional Fruits
1. Cranberries
2. Nectarines
3. Peaches
4. Strawberries
5. Pears

Domestically Grown Conventional Vegetables
1. Green beans
2. Sweet bell peppers
3. Celery
4. Cucumbers
5. Potatoes

Imported Conventional Fruits
1. Grapes
2. Nectarines
3. Peaches
4. Pears
5. Strawberries

Imported Conventional Vegetables
1. Sweet bell peppers
2. Lettuce
3. Cucumbers
4. Celery
5. Tomatoes

For more on using PLU codes to verify you’re buying organic, see our earlier post on the topic.