Go Ahead, Try Organic!
Going organic does not need to be an all-or-nothing move. Many people start off their journey of eating more whole, natural foods by buying organic produce once in awhile. Organic produce can cost more and be more difficult to find, but there is a way to buy it strategically. Some conventionally produced foods test for higher levels of pesticides than others. Consider going organic when you buy these fruits and vegetables:
- Apples
- Bell peppers
- Celery
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
On the other hand, these fruits and vegetable tend to test pretty low for pesticides even when grown conventionally:
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Corn (sweet)
- Kiwi
- Mangos
- Onions
- Papaya
- Pineapples
- Sweet peas
Make sure to wash all produce — organic or not. The Environmental Protection Agency offers the following helpful tips:
- Use running water instead of soaking to remove much (but not all) of the pesticide residue and dirt found on produce. Soaking is not as effective.
- Peel the outer layer of some fruits and vegetables, such as the outer leaves of lettuce. But make sure not to routinely peel all fruits and veggies because the skin contains the healthy stuff — fiber and lots of nutrients.
- Choose a variety of foods to avoid exposure to a single pesticide — and as a bonus, you increase the blend of nutrients in your diet.
Learn more in our Organic FAQs.





