tomversation

10 vegetables you don’t need to buy organic

Here are 10 vegetables you usually don’t need to buy organic, based on data from the Environmental Working Group’s Clean Fifteen list (which ranks produce with the lowest pesticide residues):

  1. Avocados – Thick skin protects the edible part from pesticides.
  2. Sweet corn – Husk and outer layers shield the kernels.
  3. Onions – Naturally pest-resistant due to sulfur compounds.
  4. Cabbage – Tight leaves and outer layers reduce exposure.
  5. Asparagus – Few pests bother it, so it’s rarely sprayed.
  6. Sweet peas (frozen) – Low pesticide residues after processing.
  7. Broccoli – Naturally pest-resistant and typically low in pesticides.
  8. Cauliflower – Similar to broccoli, low pesticide risk.
  9. Eggplant – Thick skin helps limit pesticide penetration.
  10. Sweet potatoes – Grown underground and relatively low in pesticide residues.

✅ Tip:
If you’re prioritizing which produce to buy organic, focus instead on the Dirty Dozen—items like strawberries, spinach, and bell peppers, which tend to have higher pesticide levels.

Here’s the updated 2025 “Dirty Dozen” list from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), showing the fruits and vegetables found to have the highest pesticide residues and therefore ones to prioritize buying organic if you can.

🥕 Current Dirty Dozen

  1. Spinach
  2. Strawberries
  3. Kale, collard & mustard greens
  4. Grapes
  5. Peaches
  6. Cherries
  7. Nectarines
  8. Pears
  9. Apples
  10. Blackberries (new entry in 2025)
  11. Blueberries
  12. Potatoes (also new entry)

“Plus” items (just below the top 12 but still high in pesticide concern):

  • Bell & hot peppers
  • Green beans

✅ What this means

Importantly: eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is still strongly positive for health, whether organic or conventional. The guide is about reducing exposure where possible, not avoiding produce.

If budget or availability is limited, you might choose to buy organic for the items on this list, since they tend to have higher pesticide residues.

If you buy conventional versions of these, taking extra care to wash thoroughly (and peel when applicable) can help reduce—but not eliminate—residue.

RECEIVE 10 WITH TOM in your email each time I publish. Sign up here.

Leave a comment