If you're still facing the debate of whether to buy organic produce versus purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables, consider doing both. Some fruits and vegetables are more exposed to pesticides than others and so it may be worth it to consider buying organic versions of those. The types that have low pesticide content are the ones to look for when you hit your local farmer's market. The only question that remains is which of these categories do some of the more popular types of produce fall into?

To buy organic...

Apples - The top and bottom parts of an apple gather pesticides, which are also absorbed through the core. The Environmental Working Group says apples are the fruit that contain the highest level of pesticides.

Pears - Though not quite as high in pesticides as an apple, a pear's thin skin absorbs pesticides into the flesh.

Strawberries - Because this fruit is grown in patches close to the ground, it is heavily sprayed with chemicals to keep bugs living in the soil at bay.

Sweet bell peppers - Despite being thick-skinned, these have the highest amount of pesticides of any vegetable tested. Because they are often waxed, it is difficult to remove the pesticides, even when thoroughly scrubbed.

Potatoes - Another crop that grows near to the ground, these are also coated in pesticides to protect them. Their thin skin means the chemicals are frequently ingested and because they are also waxed, it is hard to get rid of the harmful residue. 

Or not to buy organic...

Bananas - The tough skin on a banana and the fact that they are grown high off the ground make this fruit one of the safest available, next to kiwi, mango and pineapple.

Broccoli - Like cabbage, broccoli can be grown in a cooler climate when insects aren't likely to have made an appearance yet and therefore is low on the list of vegetables containing pesticides.

Peas - Bugs aren't all that interested in peas, and their handy pods act as bodyguards against the pests that do give them a hard time.

Avocados - Another thick-skinned fruit, these rank low on the list of fruits containing pesticides.

Hit the jump to see which other fruits and vegetables you should consider buying organic and which you can get away with buying the regular versions of, as well as tips for cleaning and preparing your produce to ensure they are as safe as possible.

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