How To Get Rid Of Pesticides From Produce?
You’re probably wondering if you should just shell out a few extra bucks for organic foods, but if you thought that organic foods are free of pesticides, you’re wrong! An RTI query revealed that 33% of “organic” foods have pesticide residue – of which, 6.6% are over the maximum permitted levels. The only way to make sure that your food is pesticide-free is to clean your fruits and veggies thoroughly and correctly.
- A Salt Water Wash With Veggies
“Wash veggies with a 2% salt water solution to remove contact pesticide residue”
According to the CSE (Centre for Science and Environment), 75-80% of pesticide reduce on fruits and veggies can be removed by washing them thoroughly. They also recommend that you wash veggies with a 2% salt water solution to remove contact pesticide residue on the surfaces of produce. When washing these foods, focus on the tops where the stem meets the fruit/vegetable as this is the area that is more likely to have residue.
- A Vinegar Soak In Leafy Greens
A vinegar soak made from 1 cup of water and ½ cup white vinegar will get rid of pesticide and bacterial contaminants on leafy greens
Leafy greens can be a little difficult to clean as pesticide residue can get into the groves in the leaves. Vinegar is a natural acid and it will help to break down surface contaminants so that they can then be rinsed off under running water. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to 1 cup water – studies show that this vinegar soak will also reduce bacterial contamination from leafy greens.
Wax does not come off with rinsing, which is why you need to use warm water to dislodge wax and get rid of any trapped pesticide residue beneath