Our limitations are guided by our climate, seasons, water availability and even soil type. So, to expect that we could all grow 100% of our vegetable intake is a tad idealistic. The compromise comes when we have to source fruit and veggies and we're unsure as to their growing pedigree.

At the top of the list of fears that we hold when buying produce is how much pesticide has been used to nurture each item to maturity. Fortunately most of the work has been done for us by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) who after completing 43,000 tests between 2000 - 2004 have compiled a list of the 12 Foods that MUST be bought or grown organically. Here they are;

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes (imported)
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

Not surprisingly all of these items are eaten without peeling, bar the potatoes. So it makes sense that consuming these fruit and vegetables without careful washing can be detrimental to our health. However, the report recommends that washing isn't enough and residue pesticides on these items are still evident. It seems then that growing, or sourcing, these food items organically is a much safer option.

While the above list are the twelve worst foodstuffs to buy without being organically grown the report also shows that the 12 fruit and vegetables listed below could possibly be bought from any grocer without too much risk from pesticides. Here they are;

1. Broccoli
2. Eggplant
3. Cabbage
4. Banana
5. Kiwi
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet peas (frozen)
8. Mango
9. Pineapple
10. Sweet corn (frozen)
11. Avocado
12. Onion

Source: Healthy Kitchen