If buying all organic all the time isn’t in your budget, the Environmental Working Group has just come out with their annual report of the fruits and veggies that contain the most pesticides. This year’s Shopper’s Guide To Pesticides In Produce ranks pesticide contamination on 48 popular fruits and vegetables. The data is based on an analysis of more than 32,000 samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and federal Food and Drug Administration. And the first 14 are the ones worth looking for on the organic shelf. The 2014 Dirty DozenApplesStrawberriesGrapesCeleryPeachesSpinachSweet bell peppersImported nectarinesCucumbersCherry tomatoesImported snap peasPotatoes+Leafy Greens+Hot Peppers While leafy greens and hot peppers didn’t make it into the top 12 this year, the EWG says they gave the two veggies “honorable” mention because of the toxicity of the pesticides detected on them. Some not-so-appetizing highlights of the report: Every sample of imported nectarines and 99% of apple samples tested positive for at least one pesticide residue. Potatoes had more pesticides by weight than any other food on the list. And grapes? Each grape sample contained at least 15 pesticides. Remember: you still have to wash your produce, even if it’s organic. Check out the above recipe for the DIY veggie wash. More from Prevention: 10 Packaged Foods You Should Always Buy Organic
