When it comes to healthy eating, fruits and vegetables are often a popular choice. However, some produce may contain more pesticides than others. Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests that can damage crops and reduce yield.

While pesticides can be helpful, they can also be harmful to humans if consumed in large amounts. With that in mind, here are 10 fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are delicious and nutritious, but unfortunately, they top the list of fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides.

In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), over 90% of strawberries tested positive for at least one pesticide. The most common pesticide found in strawberries is a chemical called captan, which is linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.

2. Spinach

Spinach is a popular leafy green vegetable that is rich in nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron. However, spinach is also a heavily sprayed crop, and over 96% of spinach samples tested by the EWG were found to contain pesticide residue.

The most common pesticides found in spinach are permethrin and chlorpyrifos, which are both linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

3. Kale

Kale is another leafy green vegetable that is often touted for its health benefits. However, kale is also one of the most pesticide-contaminated vegetables on the market.

In fact, over 92% of kale samples tested positive for at least two different pesticides. The most common pesticides found in kale are DCPA, or Dacthal, and either imidacloprid or thiamethoxam, both of which are linked to neurotoxicity.

4. Nectarines

Nectarines are a type of stone fruit that is similar to peaches. While they are a tasty treat, nectarines are also heavily sprayed with pesticides.

According to the EWG, over 94% of nectarines tested positive for at least one pesticide, and up to 15 different pesticides were found on a single piece of fruit. The most common pesticide found on nectarines is chlorpyrifos, which can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

5. Apples

Apples are a staple of many people’s diets, but unfortunately, they are also a highly pesticided crop. Over 90% of apples tested by the EWG contained pesticide residue, and the average apple contains residue from 4.4 different pesticides.

The most common pesticides found on apples are thiabendazole and phosmet, both of which are linked to cancer and reproductive harm.

6. Grapes

Grapes are a common fruit that is often used to make wine, but they are also heavily sprayed with pesticides.

According to the EWG, over 96% of grape samples tested positive for at least one pesticide, and up to 64 different pesticides were found on a single sample. The most common pesticide found on grapes is chlorpyrifos, which is linked to developmental and neurological problems.

7. Peaches

Peaches are another stone fruit that is popular in many different recipes. However, they are also one of the fruits that contain the most pesticides.

Over 99% of peach samples tested by the EWG contained pesticide residue, and up to 22 different pesticides were found on a single piece of fruit. The most common pesticide found on peaches is acetamiprid, which is linked to nervous system damage.

8. Pears

Pears are a sweet and juicy fruit that is often enjoyed as a snack. Unfortunately, pears are also a heavily treated crop, and over 96% of pear samples tested by the EWG contained pesticide residue.

The most common pesticide found on pears is carbaryl, which can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that is used in many different recipes. However, they are also a heavily pesticided crop.

Over 50% of tomato samples tested by the EWG contained pesticide residue, and up to 35 different pesticides were found on a single sample. The most common pesticide found on tomatoes is chlorpyrifos, which is linked to developmental and neurological problems.

10. Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple in many households, but they are also a highly sprayed crop. In fact, according to the EWG, potatoes are one of the most pesticide-contaminated vegetables on the market.

Over 85% of potato samples tested positive for at least one pesticide, and the average potato contains residue from seven different pesticides. The most common pesticide found on potatoes is chlorpropham, which can cause cancer and reproductive harm.

Conclusion

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is important for maintaining good health, but it’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with consuming produce that contains pesticides.

If you are concerned about pesticide exposure, consider purchasing organic versions of the fruits and vegetables listed above, or check out the EWG’s annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce for more information on how to minimize your pesticide exposure.