The use of pesticides is unquestionably a good thing for farmers. For consumers, however, it’s an entirely different story. Eating fruits and vegetables with traces of pesticides can cause toxin accumulation in the body, something which could definitely leave the health in shambles. This is why more and more shoppers are going organic.
What if you cannot get your hands on organic fruits and vegetables all the time? Should you skip anything at the local supermarket that isn’t organically grown? Not so fast. The fact is you can actually always get rid much of the pesticides present on fresh produce. Although it’s true that pesticides are applied on the leaves and stems, some of them tend to end up on the fruits and vegetables themselves.
Fortunately for a health-conscious consumer like you, removing pesticides from the surface of fruits and vegetables is fairly easy. Many of the things you will need for such process are already found in your home, especially in the kitchen!
Read on if you want to ensure that nothing with traces of pesticides will make it past your lips. The following are some of the simplest ways to get rid of pesticides present on fruits and vegetables:
Peel Off the Skin
For fruits and vegetables whose skins can be easily removed, peeling is one of the most effective ways to eliminate pesticides on them. Apples, oranges, avocados, potatoes, beets, onions — these and more can be turned pesticide-free with the simple process of having them peeled. Just remember to thoroughly rinse them with warm water afterwards to make sure that you get rid of as much of those toxic chemicals as possible.
Rinse Them with Warm Water
Another very easy way to remove pesticides on fresh produce is by washing them with warm water. If you’re thinking of rinsing them with hot water to really zap those pesticides, think again. Surprisingly, experts say that hot water is not as effective in removing traces of pesticides as warm water. This method is perfect for fruits and vegetables that cannot be easily peeled, or those whose health-giving nutrients are concentrated on the skin.
Wipe Off the Surface with a Damp Cloth
It’s also a great idea for you to wipe clean the surface of fruits and vegetables with a damp cloth after rinsing them with warm water. This helps ensure that much of the stubborn dirt, grime and chemicals are removed.
Soak in Salt Water
Certain fruits and vegetables simply require more rinsing than the rest for being soiled and laden with all sorts of unwanted chemicals. It is a great idea to have them soaked in salt water first to make sure that a simple rinsing with warm water afterwards can really make them clean and almost pesticide-free. Fill a large bowl with water. Dissolve half a teaspoon of rock salt in it. Soak your fruits and vegetables in it for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water afterwards.
Immerse Them in Vinegar Solution
Some pesticides used by farmers contain certain chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin of fruits and vegetables. A simple way to get rid of these unwanted chemicals is by soaking fresh produce in vinegar solution before having them consumed. In a large bowl, combine water and a teaspoon of vinegar. Soak your fruits and vegetables in it for some time. Rinse very well with warm water before serving or cooking.
Zap Pesticides with a DIY Spray
You can get your hands on a bottle of fruit and vegetable cleaning spray available on the market. Or you can simply make one at home. Place a cup of water in a spray bottle. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Shake very well. Spray liberally on fruits and vegetables after rinsing them with water, then wipe clean.
