Simply washing fruits and vegetables may not be enough to remove all pesticides. To ensure your produce is as clean and safe as possible, follow these additional steps:
Use a Vegetable Brush: Scrubbing fruits and vegetables under running water with a vegetable brush can help remove dirt and surface pesticides. This works well for produce with thick skins, like potatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
Soak in Baking Soda Solution: Create a solution with 1 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of water and soak your fruits and veggies for 10-15 minutes. Baking soda can help break down pesticides.
Vinegar Solution: Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and soak your produce for 10-15 minutes. This can effectively reduce pesticide residues.
Peeling When Possible: For fruits and vegetables with thinner skins, peeling can help reduce pesticide exposure, although some nutrients may be lost.
Buy Organic: Opting for organic produce ensures that fewer pesticides are used during cultivation.
Taking these extra steps ensures your fruits and veggies are as clean as possible, giving you peace of mind while maintaining a healthy diet.