12 Foods You Should Always Buy Organic

The dirtiest of all, apples ring in at number one — make sure to buy these organic before biting into one or there might be a reenactment of Snow White.  

Recipe to Try: Rosemary Apple Chicken

Rounding out at number two, celery has a high level of pesticide residue, which is difficult to wash away because it doesn't have a protective layer of skin. It's a great snack with some peanut butter or just as is, but it's definitely a food worth buying organic. 

Strawberries are a great source of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants — don't counteract all of that goodness by eating strawberries coated in pesticides. 

Recipe to Try: Strawberry Lemonade

Full of vitamin C, folate, and fiber, peaches are irresistable during the summer months when they're in season at local farmers' markets. During the other months of the year, buy these fruits organic.

Story to Read: 5 Things to do with Peaches, Other Than Pie

Full of iron and vitamins A and C, spinach is wonderful simply sautéed or used as a salad green.

Recipe to Try: Spinach and Artichoke Dip 

Sweet nectarines can be bought locally when in season, but make sure to buy imported ones organic. 

Recipe to Try: Grilled Nectarines with Proscuitto di Parma

Grapes make a wonderful addition to any meal alone or pickled like in the recipe below. 

Recipe to Try: Watermelon, Feta, and Pickled Grapes

Colorful bell peppers have a great crunch to them raw, but also benefit from being grilled or roasted like in the recipe below. 

Recipe to Try: Baked Peppers for a Summer Lunch

Potatoes store nutrients both in the skin and interior, so don't peel off that exterior off quite yet. Instead, scrub it clean to get rid of any remaining dirt. (At least the dirt will be organic, if there is any still.)

Recipe to Try: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Blueberries are full of antioxidants and make a great topping for pancakes or turned into a jam. When buying domestic blueberries, make sure to go organic. 

Recipe to Try: Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberries and Maple Syrup

Before you purchase your organic lettuce, another thought to consider is which salad green is the healthiest for you and offers the most nutritional value. 

Recipe to Try: Butter Lettuce with Lemon-Basil Dressing. 

Hearty and nutritious, these greens can be stirred into soups, sliced into ribbons and quickly cooked, or used as salad greens.

Recipe to Try: Kale Salad with Bacon and Almonds