This summer, there are a variety of fresh produce and organic fruits and veggies to keep an eye on. These foods are perfect for cooking or eating raw. When eating these fruits and veggies raw, it’s important to make sure that your food safety is a top priority, which means it’s good to understand when you need to buy organically, and when it’s better to just save the money. Here is a list of just a few of the classics.

1) Peaches

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This famous fruit has been featured in multiple ways, from Georgia’s state fruit to Roald Dahl’s classic novel James and the Giant Peach. Peaches are unquestionably one of the best summer fruits. Known for their sweet and fresh taste, they are perfect for anything from savory dishes to desserts. They can be eaten plain, lightly seasoned, turned into sauces, or baked into pies. Another reason to eat peaches? With rising temperatures caused by global warming, there’s a high chance peaches might go extinct , so savor this summer classic while it’s still around.

Should you buy these organic? Yes . It turns out that peaches are often loaded with pesticides because insects love them just as much as we do. Therefore, it’s always smart to buy organically, especially if you want to eat the skins!

2) Avocados

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This vegetable-like fruit is the perfect thing to mix into any dips or sauces this summer! The avocado is full of natural fats, meaning that it is the only fruit providing healthy fatty acids. As a result, avocado aids with boosting the immune system, reducing obesity, and lowering disease. Most importantly, avocado contains a surplus of vitamins (C, E, K, and B-6) which help with vision and preventing heart disease and cancer. This fruit is also perfect for spreading onto toast. Its creamy consistency is similar to butter, but is a much healthier and more enjoyable alternative.

Should you buy these organic? No . Avocados are not usually treated with large amounts of pesticides, meaning there’s a small chance you’ll be ingesting anything detrimental to your health. After all, no one really eats avocado skins! There’s barely any reason to buy these organic, considering that they are considered a cleaner produce, and that the price almost doubles when buying organically.

3) Tomatoes

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Another vegetable-like fruit, this light, zingy food is amazing for whipping up a salsa or cooking on the grill this summer! Mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic vinegar skewers are always a smart and simple side dish for summer parties. Tomatoes are also well known for supporting cardiovascular health , meaning they’ll help keep your heart pumping for beach days and hikes all summer long. There are also several different types of tomatoes. Use larger tomatoes on the grill and in dishes, and snack on smaller cherry tomatoes.

Should you buy these organic? Absolutely, especially cherry tomatoes. Pesticides are often used on tomatoes, and since tomato skin is pretty thin, it’s smart to buy these products pesticide-free and organic!

4) Mangoes

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This sweet, juicy fruit is definitely a tropical summer classic. Enjoy it frozen on hot days, or dried while taking a summer road trip! There are incredible recipes for mango salsa, a fun and easy dish that takes only minutes to master and serve. Other ways to incorporate mangoes include baking them into pastries or turning them into delicious smoothies. It’s therefore unsurprising that mangoes are the most popular fruit to consume all over the globe. Their sweet, flavorful kick should definitely make them top your summer list!

Should you buy these organically? No. Mangoes are typically less prone to pesticides, and are often considered a cleaner fruit to buy!

5) Pineapples

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Pineapples made the top five because of a summer classic: Dole Whip. But besides Dole Whip, pineapples have an incredible unique taste and are another tropical favorite for the summer. Their tangy taste makes them a good tart snack. Soaking the pineapples in salt water is key in preparing the fruit, as it gets rid of any harmful bacteria and enzymes the fruit could pass on. Salt water also helps to practically eliminate the burning sensation pineapple causes on your tongue. If you ever wanted to connect with Spongebob, this fruit is your chance.

Should you buy this organically? No! Pineapples have thick skin and can resist most pesticides. Plus, soaking the fruit in salt water will rid it of any preexisting bacteria.

Other fruits and vegetables to try!

Some honorable mentions include: corn (grill some up for corn on the cob), watermelon (a poolside classic), carrots (carrot cake or eaten raw!), strawberries + mixed berries (acai bowl toppings and easy snacks), and any kinds of beans for summer salsa and chili!