Know what you eat
51 vegetables Β· EWG pesticide data
About EWG Pesticide Ratings
Tap to learn about the Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen
Garlic
Conventional garlic is very safe. One of the best foods you can eat.
Onions
Conventional onions are very safe. One of the Clean Fifteen.
Nori (Seaweed)
Buy from reputable Japanese or Korean brands. Avoid cheap generic brands from unknown sources.
Artichokes
Conventional artichokes are very safe. One of the Clean Fifteen.
Cabbage
Conventional cabbage is very safe. One of the best budget vegetables.
Asparagus
Conventional asparagus is very safe. One of the Clean Fifteen.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Conventional shiitake is safe. Dried shiitake has concentrated nutrients.
Sweet Potato
Conventional sweet potatoes are very safe. One of the best value vegetables.
Broccoli
Conventional broccoli is safe. Organic is a bonus but not necessary.
Shallots
Conventional shallots are generally safe.
Kelp
Use in small amounts. Buy from certified clean-water sources.
Cauliflower
Conventional is fine. One of the safest vegetables to buy non-organic.
Radishes
Conventional radishes are safe and affordable.
Butternut Squash
Conventional butternut squash is safe. Thick skin protects the flesh.
Portobello Mushrooms
Conventional portobello is safe. Look for firm caps without dark spots.
Frozen Broccoli (Organic)
Frozen organic broccoli is an excellent value β often more nutritious than fresh that's been stored for days.
Acorn Squash
Conventional acorn squash is safe.
Watercress
Buy from reputable sources. Watercress is generally low in pesticides.
Brussels Sprouts
Conventional is generally safe. Organic preferred for regular consumption.
Turnips
Conventional turnips are safe and very affordable.
Peas (Fresh/Frozen)
Conventional peas are safe. Frozen organic is an excellent budget option.
Parsnips
Conventional parsnips are generally safe.
Fennel
Conventional fennel is generally safe.
Frozen Peas
Frozen peas are an excellent budget vegetable β nutritionally comparable to fresh.
Bok Choy
Conventional is acceptable. Cook to reduce goitrogen content.
White Button Mushrooms
Conventional white mushrooms are safe. Always cook before eating.
Arugula
Conventional is generally acceptable. Organic preferred for frequent use.
Eggplant
Conventional eggplant is generally safe.
Canned Tomatoes (BPA-free)
Choose BPA-free canned tomatoes (Muir Glen, Pomi, Eden Organics). Cooking increases lycopene.
Carrots
Organic preferred since carrots grow in soil and absorb pesticides. Baby carrots especially.
Leeks
Organic preferred. Wash thoroughly between layers.
Beets
Organic preferred. Beets absorb soil pesticides like carrots.
Scallions (Green Onions)
Organic preferred for raw use. Conventional acceptable if cooked.
Swiss Chard
Organic preferred. Rotate with other greens to avoid oxalate buildup.
Zucchini (Summer Squash)
Organic preferred, especially for the skin. Conventional is acceptable if peeled.
Romaine Lettuce
Organic preferred but conventional is acceptable if washed thoroughly.
Tomatoes
Organic preferred, especially for cherry tomatoes. Cooking increases lycopene absorption.
Basil
Organic preferred for fresh use. Grow your own for best quality.
Edamame (Soybeans)
Buy organic and non-GMO edamame. Avoid if you have thyroid or hormone issues.
Parsley
Organic preferred, especially for fresh use in large quantities.
Potatoes
Buy organic or peel conventional potatoes β most pesticides are in the skin.
Cucumber
Buy organic or peel conventional cucumbers β the wax coating traps pesticides.
Green Beans (String Beans)
Buy organic green beans β they are heavily sprayed with neurotoxic pesticides.
Hot Peppers (JalapeΓ±o/Chili)
Buy organic hot peppers when possible, especially if eating the skin.
Mustard Greens
Buy organic. Mustard greens are in the same high-risk category as kale and collards.
Collard Greens
Buy organic β collards are heavily sprayed. Frozen organic is a great budget option.
Kale
One of the most pesticide-contaminated vegetables β always buy organic or grow your own.
Bell Peppers
Always buy organic bell peppers β they are the second most contaminated vegetable.
Celery
Always buy organic celery β it has no protective skin and absorbs pesticides directly.
Spinach
Always buy organic β spinach absorbs pesticides deeply into its leaves and cannot be washed off.
Cilantro
Always buy organic cilantro or grow your own. Used in large amounts in cooking.