Are cherries part of the Dirty Dozen list?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) confirmed cherries were on their 2025 Dirty Dozen list, highlighting conventionally grown produce with the highest pesticide residues. While this raises concerns for many shoppers, understanding the full context behind the list and the different farming methods is crucial.

Quick Summary

Cherries have been included on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list due to pesticide residue on conventionally farmed fruit. This guide examines the list's meaning, practical washing tips, and the ongoing debate surrounding its methodology.

Key Points

Inclusion on the list: Conventionally grown cherries have been on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list, including the 2025 publication, due to higher-than-average pesticide residues.
Context is key: The Dirty Dozen list is from a consumer advocacy group, not a regulatory body, and its methodology is often debated by scientists.
Conventional produce is still safe: The EPA sets safety tolerances for pesticide levels, and the vast majority of residues on conventional produce fall well within these safe limits.
Washing is effective: Simple methods like soaking cherries in a vinegar or baking soda solution before rinsing can effectively reduce surface-level pesticide residue.
Health benefits outweigh concerns: The numerous health benefits of eating cherries—such as their high antioxidant and vitamin content—are far more significant than the minimal risk from legally allowed pesticide residues.
Choice depends on preference: The decision to buy organic or conventional cherries often comes down to budget and personal preference, as there is little nutritional difference between the two.

Cherries and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Report

For many consumers, the annual release of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists is a guidepost for making informed decisions at the grocery store. This ranking is based on pesticide residue data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In recent years, including the 2025 report, conventionally grown cherries have consistently earned a spot on the Dirty Dozen list, indicating a higher-than-average level of pesticide residue compared to other fruits and vegetables. It's important to recognize that this list is not a government safety bulletin but rather a consumer advocacy group's interpretation of federal data.

The Data Behind the Ranking

When the USDA tests produce, they do so in its ready-to-eat form, meaning after it has been washed. The EWG's ranking considers factors like the percentage of samples with detectable pesticides, the number of different pesticides found on a single sample, and the overall pesticide load. For cherries, this analysis has consistently placed them among the top 12 items for pesticide residues, prompting the EWG to recommend buying organic varieties to minimize exposure. However, it is vital to remember that most detected residues, even on conventional produce, are below the tolerance levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are considered safe for consumption.

The Controversy: A Deeper Look at the Dirty Dozen

While the EWG's mission to inform consumers about pesticide residues is widely known, their methodology and messaging have also drawn significant criticism from scientists, toxicologists, and farming groups.

Critiques of the EWG's Approach

Critics often argue that the EWG's list uses a simplistic, fear-based approach to a complex issue. Their concerns include:

Flawed Methodology: The list primarily ranks items based on the number and frequency of pesticide detections, often without considering the actual toxicity or the dosage of the residues found.
Exaggerated Risk: The narrative surrounding the Dirty Dozen can create unnecessary anxiety about eating conventional fruits and vegetables, despite the fact that federal agencies regulate pesticides to ensure they are safe.
Disproportionate Impact: Some research has shown that lower-income consumers may reduce their overall fruit and vegetable intake out of concern for pesticides, which poses a greater health risk than low-level pesticide exposure.

The Importance of Eating Produce

Many health organizations and food scientists emphasize that the health benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or organic, far outweigh the risks associated with minimal pesticide residues. Cherries, for example, are packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that are beneficial for heart health, sleep, and exercise recovery. The debate, therefore, is less about whether to eat cherries and more about how to make an informed choice based on personal priorities and budget.

Making an Informed Choice: Organic vs. Conventional Cherries

For consumers weighing their options, here is a comparison of conventional and organic cherries.


Feature	Conventional Cherries	Organic Cherries
Pesticide Residue	Higher likelihood of multiple pesticide residues, though typically within legal limits.	Detectable pesticide residue is lower, but not always zero, as some natural pesticides are allowed and cross-contamination can occur.
Cost	Generally more affordable and widely available.	Often more expensive and can be harder to find, depending on the retailer.
Appearance & Flavor	Appearance is often prioritized for uniformity and marketability. Flavor depends on variety and freshness.	Appearance may be less uniform due to fewer cosmetic-focused inputs. Flavor is highly dependent on growing conditions.
Nutritional Content	Studies show little to no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventional produce.	Nutritionally comparable to their conventional counterparts.

The Best Way to Wash Cherries and Reduce Pesticide Exposure

Regardless of whether you choose conventional or organic, proper washing is a key step in reducing surface-level pesticides and bacteria. Here are some effective methods:

Simple Tap Water Rinse: Place cherries in a colander and rinse them gently under cool, running tap water for about 30 seconds. This is effective for removing dirt and some surface microbes. Pat them dry thoroughly before eating or storing.
Vinegar Soak: Fill a large bowl with water and add a cup of distilled white vinegar. Soak the cherries for 10-15 minutes, then rinse them well under cold water and pat dry. The mild acid in vinegar helps to dislodge contaminants.
Baking Soda Soak: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of water in a bowl to cover the cherries. Soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. This is often cited as a highly effective method for removing pesticides.

Proper Storage for Cherries

Keep stems intact until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate unwashed cherries in a breathable container lined with paper towels.
Sort and remove any spoiled or moldy cherries to prevent spoilage from spreading.

Conclusion: Making Smart, Informed Choices

Yes, cherries are part of the Dirty Dozen list, but the takeaway is far more nuanced than simply avoiding them. The EWG's list is a useful tool for understanding pesticide residue trends, particularly for those who prioritize organic options. However, it's not a definitive indicator of risk, and the benefits of consuming ample fruits and vegetables remain undeniable. Whether you opt for conventional or organic cherries, proper washing is an effective and simple way to minimize any potential residue. The most health-conscious decision is to prioritize eating more produce overall, in the form that is most accessible and affordable for you. The Clean Fifteen list, which includes produce like avocados and onions, provides an excellent contrast for those seeking conventionally grown options with the lowest pesticide load. Being aware of the facts empowers you to make a choice that aligns with your health goals and budget, without unnecessary fear.

For more information on the most recent findings, you can consult the Environmental Working Group's website directly: EWG's Dirty Dozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cherries are included on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list because conventional samples have shown higher levels of pesticide residues than many other fruits and vegetables, based on USDA testing data.

Organic cherries typically have lower overall pesticide residue levels. While both are considered safe to eat, buying organic is an option for those who want to minimize their pesticide exposure.

You can effectively wash cherries by soaking them in a solution of water with either vinegar or baking soda for about 10-15 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse under running water.

No, it is not dangerous. Government agencies like the EPA regulate pesticide use and set safe tolerance levels, and the vast majority of conventional produce residues are below these levels.

The Dirty Dozen lists the 12 types of conventional produce with the most pesticide residues, while the Clean Fifteen lists produce with the lowest residues. Cherries are on the former, not the latter.

While washing can significantly reduce surface-level pesticide residues and remove dirt, it will not eliminate them completely. However, it is an important step for food safety.

Yes, absolutely. The health benefits of cherries, such as their high antioxidant content and positive effects on heart health, are significant and outweigh the minimal risk associated with legal pesticide levels.