Eating fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet. However, not all produce is created equal. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list every year of the fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides.

This list is called the “Dirty Dozen.” Here are the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables of 2022:.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries have topped the list of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables for several years in a row. This delicious fruit is often sprayed with many pesticides, some of which are banned in other countries.

According to the EWG, up to 90% of strawberries tested positive for at least one pesticide residue.

2. Spinach

Spinach is another staple in the produce aisle that is often heavily contaminated with pesticides.

Around 97% of spinach samples tested by the EWG had detectable pesticide residues, including one particularly toxic pesticide that has been linked to cancer and hormone disruption.

3. Kale, Collard Greens, and Mustard Greens

Kale and other leafy greens can be an important source of vitamins and minerals. However, even organic versions of these vegetables can be contaminated with high levels of pesticides.

In 2022, samples of kale had, on average, 10 times as much pesticide residue as other vegetables.

4. Nectarines

Nectarines are a sweet and juicy fruit that can be a good source of vitamin C. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most heavily contaminated fruits when it comes to pesticides. Over 90% of samples tested positive for at least two pesticides.

5. Apples

You know the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” However, many apples are also contaminated with pesticides that could potentially harm your health.

Pesticides like chlorpyrifos, which is banned in some countries, were found in apple samples tested by the EWG.

6. Grapes

Grapes are often grown with a lot of pesticides to protect the fruit from insects and fungi. Consequently, they are one of the most contaminated fruits on the Dirty Dozen list.

In some cases, grapes have been found to be contaminated with up to 15 pesticides.

7. Peaches

Like nectarines, peaches are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be densely packed with pesticides.

Residues of pesticides such as iprodione, a suspected endocrine disruptor, and carbendazim, a chemical that can damage the reproductive system were found in many peach samples tested by the EWG.

8. Cherries

Cherries are both delicious and nutritious, but they are also heavily contaminated with pesticides. These pesticides can be especially harmful to the environment and to workers who grow and harvest cherries.

Residues of the pesticide Acephate, which has been banned in Europe, were found in many samples tested by the EWG.

9. Pears

Pears are a great source of dietary fiber and other essential nutrients, but they are also a highly contaminated fruit. The EWG found 50 different pesticides on pear samples they tested, including a toxic pesticide called diphenylamine.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular and versatile ingredient in many dishes. However, they are also susceptible to pests and diseases, which means they are often treated with many different pesticides.

One toxic pesticide found on tomato samples is called Endosulfan, which is banned in many countries due to its high toxicity.

11. Sweet Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious addition to many meals. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most heavily contaminated vegetables on the Dirty Dozen list.

The EWG found residues of up to 120 different pesticides on sweet bell pepper samples they tested.

12. Celery

Celery is often grown with pesticides to protect the plants from insects and diseases.

The EWG found 64 different pesticide residues on celery samples they tested, including several pesticides that are known endocrine disruptors and linked to certain types of cancer.

While it’s important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, it’s also important to choose wisely and avoid produce that is heavily contaminated with pesticides.

One way to do this is to buy organic produce whenever possible, or to seek out local, pesticide-free options. By making informed choices, you can protect your health and the environment.