As a food and nutrition expert, I've spent considerable time researching and analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of organic versus non-organic produce. When it comes to choosing between organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, there are several factors to consider, including the level of pesticide residues, the impact of soil health, and the overall nutritional value.

Onions are a great example of a non-organic produce that is quite safe to consume. They have a natural defense mechanism against pests due to their strong smell and chemical composition. This reduces the need for heavy pesticide use, making them a safe choice even when grown conventionally.

Avocados are another fruit that ranks highly in terms of safety when it comes to non-organic options. They have a thick skin that acts as a barrier to most pesticides, ensuring that the edible flesh inside remains clean and free from chemical residues.

Pineapples have a similar protective barrier with their tough exterior, which deters pests and reduces the necessity for chemical treatments. Their growth pattern also contributes to their cleanliness, as they are often grown in regions with fewer pests.

Asparagus is another vegetable that can be safely purchased non-organic. It is grown with relatively low pesticide use due to its natural resistance to many common pests and diseases.

Grapefruit, mangoes, and kiwi fruit are also on the list of produce that doesn't necessarily need to be organic. Their thick rinds or skins provide a protective layer that helps to keep the fruit clean from pesticides.

Mushrooms are unique in that they are grown in controlled environments, often on substrates like compost or straw. This means they are not typically exposed to pesticides in the same way that field crops are.

When deciding which fruits and vegetables to buy organic, it's also important to consider the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen" lists. The "Dirty Dozen" lists the fruits and vegetables that have the highest levels of pesticide residues when conventionally grown. These include strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and sweet bell peppers. On the other hand, the "Clean Fifteen" lists produce that are least likely to have pesticide residues, which can include many of the items mentioned above.

It's also worth noting that washing and peeling can significantly reduce the levels of pesticide residues on produce. For non-organic produce with a thick skin or rind, peeling can remove the majority of any potential pesticide residues.

In conclusion, while organic produce is generally considered healthier due to its absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, not all fruits and vegetables need to be organic to be safe and nutritious. Onions, avocados, pineapples, asparagus, grapefruit, mangoes, kiwi fruit, and mushrooms are examples of produce that can be safely consumed even when grown conventionally. However, it's always a good idea to wash all produce thoroughly, and when possible, choose organic options for items that are more susceptible to pesticide residues.

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16 Foods You Don't Always Need to Buy Organic1 Onions. There's no need to cry over commercially grown onions from a pesticide standpoint. ... 2 Avocados. Avocados are the cleanest fruit -- who knew? ... 3 Pineapple. ... 4 Asparagus. ... 5 Grapefruit. ... 6 Mangoes. ... 7 Kiwi Fruit. ... 8 Mushrooms.More items...read more >>