The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen

I know there are certain fruits and vegetables which are higher in pesticides than others. Could you please enlighten me as to which ones are the safest?

There are two groups of produce, nicknamed the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen – the first are the highest in pesticide residues, while the latter are the fruit and veg that you can get away with buying non-organic. Pesticide levels are re-assessed by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) every year, and the two groups are updated accordingly. With the cost of organic foods typically being much higher than that of conventional produce, it helps to know which ones you can save your pennies with.

Handle with care: Best to buy organic where possible apples, celery, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, grapes, strawberries, spinach, potatoes, nectarines, peaches, chili peppers, capsicum.