I’m sure you’ve been in my position before, roaming the produce section of your supermarket wondering what kind of pesticides and chemicals are all over the delicious fruits and vegetables we eat every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that we get five daily serving of fruits and vegetables so it is extremely important for us to be conscious of the amount of chemicals we ingest. Most often, health food enthusiasts suggest that we follow the rule of the “Dirty Dozen.” To keep up with your health this season keep this list of the “Dirty Dozen” in mind!

1. Celery: While this selection might seem surprising, celery does not have a protective layer of skin which makes it especially tricky to wash the chemicals and pesticides off.

2. Peaches: Among apples and nectarines, peaches are one of the top three dirtiest tree fruits!

3. Strawberries: It is especially important to find strawberries organic when they are out of season. It is important because they are imported from other countries where the regulations on pesticides are more relaxed.

4. Apples: Apples are a large offender of pesticides as they need them to combat against a variety of pests, fungi and insects. Some consumers might be surprised to find that even if you scrub and peel the apple there is still some chemical residing on the fruit.

5. Blueberries: While this tiny little berries can be delicious in your fruit salad or morning pancakes they are actually the dirtiest berries out there. They hold a record number of 52 different pesticides so be sure to buy these organic!

6. Nectarines: This delicious little fruit contains 33 different types of pesticides and one of the top three dirtiest tree fruits.

7. Bell Pepper: Like celery, the skin of the peppers does not provide a great barrier for the chemicals and the vegetable is often sprayed with insecticides.

8. Spinach: While this vegetable can be great to add to a hearty dinner or a salad it contains 48 different pesticides.

9. Cherries: In a survey by the USDA, it was found that cherries grown in the United States have three times more pesticides then imported cherries.

10. Potatoes: While the potato spent some time off of the dirty dozen list, this year it’s back! This vegetable can contain 37 different pesticides, so buy this side dish organic!

11. Pears: The skin of the pear isn’t very protective which allows the 28 pesticides that are used to get down the the fruit you love to enjoy!

12. Lettuce: Although this is the last item to be found on the list, lettuce is considered the most contaminated with 51 different pesticides.

Now that you know, I hope you consider buying these fruits and veggies organic to eliminate some of the pesticide and chemical ingestion we face, especially during the summer season when so many of these delicious fruits and vegetables are in season!