How do you wash fruits and vegetables to remove chemicals? Nutritionists have identified 8 simple ways

How do you wash fruits and vegetables to remove chemicals? Nutritionists have identified 8 simple ways

Some substances can be dangerous to human health.

Pesticides are chemicals used to treat plants and their fruits against pests.

general practitioner, nutritionist, dermatovenerologist.

“No method guarantees complete removal of all pesticides, but it is possible to reduce the amount of pesticides on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Here are a few ways to do it.”

Soft brush

• Set running water to cold.
• Place fruits or vegetables under the running water and rinse them thoroughly, paying special attention to creases and hollows.
• Use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the surface of the food.
• Rinse the products for about a minute.
• After washing, rinse them under running water again to remove pesticide residue and dirt.

Baking soda solution

• In a large cup or sink, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with four cups of water.
• Place the vegetables or fruits in the baking soda solution and leave for 15 to 20 minutes.
• After soaking, rinse produce thoroughly under running water to remove the baking soda and pesticide residue.

Ozonator

Nutritionist nutritionist, nutritional counselor

“You can easily buy home ozone machines at the store or online. Ozone is very active and easily neutralizes harmful substances. It is better to use dishes made of ‘neutral’ materials: glass, ceramic, plastic, wooden, with intact enamel, without chips and cracks.”

• Rinse the food under running water. Pour water into the dish and place the food in it.
• Place the ozonizer tube in the container under the water and turn on the ozonizer for 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the water and rinse the food under running water.

This way you can treat not only fruits and vegetables, but also other products that are bought in stores and require washing: meat, nuts.

Hot water

Hot water can be used to remove pesticides from the surface of fruits and vegetables, especially for products with thicker skin, such as apples, zucchini, eggplant or tomatoes.

• Prepare a pan of hot water. The water temperature should be hotter than 60-70°C, not boiling.
• Immerse the vegetables or fruit in the hot water and leave for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse the fruit or vegetables thoroughly under running water after soaking.

Vinegar solution

• Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a large bowl in a 1:4 ratio.
• Place the vegetables or fruit in the solution for 20-30 minutes.
• After soaking, rinse produce thoroughly under running water to remove vinegar and pesticide residue.

Commercial detergents

• Add a specific amount of detergent to the water, and then place the vegetables or fruit in the solution for a specified amount of time.
• After soaking, rinse the produce thoroughly under running water to remove detergent and pesticide residue.

Lemon juice

• Dilute lemon juice with water at a 1:1 ratio.
• Soak the fruit or vegetables in the solution for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly under running water after soaking.

Special products for pesticide removal

• Add the product to water and soak the produce in this solution for the specified time.
• After soaking, rinse the food under running water to remove the product and pesticide residue.

Remember, it is best to choose organic produce that is pesticide-free or contains significantly less pesticides.

Most of the vegetable and fruit washing methods listed above apply to many produce.

However, in some cases, a special approach may be needed.

Hard vegetables (e.g., roots like potatoes or carrots)

These foods can be washed under running water using a sponge or brush to remove dirt and pesticide residue.

Soft fruits and vegetables (e.g. berries or leafy greens)

Soft fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to damage, so harsh products are not recommended. Wash them gently under running water, paying attention to areas where pesticides accumulate (veins, stems, skin, stalks).

Fruits and vegetables with thick peels (e.g. apples or pears)

Wash such produce under running water and, if necessary, use a soft brush to remove pesticides and dirt from the surface.

Foods with fluff or lint (e.g. peaches or apricots)

In addition to the previous points, a brush or sponge can be used to gently clean the surface of fruit with lint from pesticides.

In any case, it is better to refer to the instructions on the package or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially when using commercial detergents.