What is the best way to wash your fruits and vegetables?

How do you remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables?

It is now common knowledge that we should eat enough fruit and vegetables. That pesticides are not good for our health is also common knowledge. We also know that it is better to eat organic fruit and vegetables, but unfortunately that is still very expensive and not an option for most of us.

What if I told you there was a simple and inexpensive way to remove up to 96% of pesticides?

Washing under running water does remove dirt and bacteria, but some pesticides are not water soluble and therefore this method is not sufficient to remove pesticides.

The most effective way to remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables?

According to a scientific study, the most effective way to wash fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides is to soak them in a mixture of water and baking soda for 12-15 minutes.

According to the authors, this is because the pesticides degrade more quickly in baking soda, making them easier to remove by washing.

The solution to effectively remove pesticides?

For example, put your vegetables in the sink and soak your vegetables and fruit for 12-15 minutes in a solution of water and baking soda. A 1% solution is sufficient to wash away up to 96% of pesticides . Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1.5l of water.

Then rinse it with water and most of the pesticides will be removed.

Which fruits and vegetables are best to buy organic (contain the most pesticides)?

The fruits and vegetables below are also known as the dirty dozen and, according to the EWG, will contain the most pesticides in 2023.

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Kale
• Peaches
• Pears
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Grapes
• Bell peppers and hot peppers
• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Green beans

Which fruits and vegetables have the least pesticides?

The fruits and vegetables below are known as the clean 15 and contain the least pesticides

• Avocados
• Corn
• Pineapple
• Onions
• Papaya
• Peas (frozen)
• Asparagus
• Honeydew Melon
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Mushrooms
• Mangoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Watermelon
• Carrots

The conclusion?

If possible, buy organic dirty dozen and wash other fruits and vegetables in a solution of water and baking soda.

See also this informative video .