The Pesticide Scare: How Contaminated Are Your Fruits And Veggies?

Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Most people assume that their fruits and veggies are clean simply because they look clean. This misguided assumption can cost you your health! And that is precisely why washing your fruits and veggies is such an essential step before you proceed to cook them however you like. Apart from the customary dirt and possible microscopic bacteria lurking around on the produce, the Environmental Working Group (EWA) which is a not for profit organization, has identified the most pesticide contaminated and the least contaminated fruits and vegetables. The list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables might catch you by surprise. In fact you might not even have considered washing some of the items on this list! But that’s exactly what you need to look out for; you just cannot afford to get too complacent about taking measures to protect your health. This list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables will prove just that: apples, spinach, bell peppers, strawberries, pears, celery, imported grapes, potatoes, lettuce, nectarines, peaches and cherries. Shocking, isn’t it? The pesticide residue may be high on the aforementioned foods, but avoiding these delicious fruits and vegetable is not only impractical, it is also not recommended. Washing fruits and veggies in the correct way will help to cleanse them of the contaminants that they have been exposed to.

Washing Fruits and Veggies in Six Easy Steps!

Take note of the following steps to wash your fruits and veggies in the most effective way:

• Step 1: Place all the freshly bought produce on the kitchen countertop near the sink. Always keep your countertops clean. It will be easier to wash the fruits and vegetables if you brush off any dry, visible dirt using a soft brush.
• Step 2: Place all the produce in a colander. Place the colander in the sink. Alternatively you can also wash the fruits and vegetables in a bowl filled with water.
• Step 3: Turn on the tap and adjust the temperature so that the water is neither too hot nor too cold.
• Step 4: Rinse the veggies and fruits under running water.
• Step 5: You can use a brush to gently scrub certain fruits and vegetables such as potatoes or carrots. Make sure the brush is not too stiff as this is will damage the produce.
• Step 6: Check the produce to ensure that there is not dirt left on the surface.

Washing Fruits and Veggies: A Few Extra Tips!

These additional tips will guide you through the process of clean your fruits and veggies in the best possible way:

• Try not to use detergents or soap to wash your fruits and veggies. These products are chemical based and may leave their own residue on the produce. If you really want to wash your produce with something other than water, you can opt for specific veggie wash products that are designed specifically for the purpose of washing produce. The FDA however, does not recommend the use of any of the aforementioned products.
• You can also rub the produce under water for sometime instead of simply rinsing it under running water. Fill a bowl with water and rub the fruits and veggies one by one under water.
• You can also peel certain vegetables (such as potatoes and carrots) to remove further traces of possible surface contaminants.