Organic foods can be expensive.  But not all organics are created equal — many foods have such low levels of pesticides that buying organic just isn’t worth it.  But, you can reduce your pesticide exposure by nearly 80% simply by choosing organic for the following 12 fruits and vegetables shown in their tests to contain the highest levels of pesticides.

They’re called "The Dirty Dozen," and (starting with the worst) they are celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries (domestic), nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale/collard greens, cherries, potatoes and grapes (imported).  So, if you’re really concerned about pesticides, purchase them as “organically grown”.  And even then, make sure you scrub and wash them very well.

You can feel good about buying the following 15 conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that are considered "The Clean Fifteen," because they were shown to have very little pesticide residue: onions, avocado, sweet corn (frozen), pineapples, mango, sweet peas (frozen), asparagus, kiwi fruit, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe (domestic), watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes and honeydew melon.  You’ll still want to clean them before you consume them.