I know that choosing organic foods is important for good health, but making that choice isn’t always good for a frugal budget. Money aside, I just discovered that there are certain foods that you should always err on the organic side.

You see over at my other blog, Green Boot Camp, this week we’re discussing adding organics to your menu as a way of living a greener life. And in researching today’s posting, organic chef Leslie Cerier got in touch to let me know about the Environmental Working Group. This not-for-profit, environmental research organization has a list on its website of foods most likely to absorb pesticides. So, when choosing these items, you should tend to err on the organic side.

I thought you’d want to know what the Top 20 are, just in case you’re going grocery shopping any time soon.

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
13. Carrots
14. Green beans
15. Hot peppers
16. Cucumbers
17. Raspberries
18. Plums
19. Oranges
20. Grapes (domestic)

Right now I’ve got a bag of organic potatoes in my kitchen, and they didn’t cost that much more than the “regular” kind. And I’ve got a bag of organic baby carrots in the fridge. But the rest of my produce, well, not so organic. I’ll have to rethink those choices the next time I go food shopping.