Oct 15, 2024
How to Safely Clean Pesticides off Your Produce
Siddhartha JanaPesticides are commonly found on fruits and vegetables due to modern farming practices aimed at increasing crop yields, which protect against pests but may harm human health.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual "Dirty Dozen" list highlighting produce most likely to contain pesticides. In 2024, this includes strawberries, spinach, apples, and several other fruits and vegetables.
Source: Canva
Long-term pesticide exposure, even at low levels, is linked to health issues such as hormone disruption, fertility problems, and neurological disorders.
Source: Canva
While it's difficult to completely eliminate pesticides from produce, soaking fruits and vegetables in a vinegar-water solution for 20-30 minutes can help reduce chemical residues.
Source: Canva
Salt and turmeric water soaks, as well as baking soda washes, are also effective methods for reducing pesticide residues on produce.
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Organic produce may contain fewer pesticides, but it's important to note that "organic" doesn't mean pesticide-free, and organic options can be more expensive.
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