What's the Right Way to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Before Eating?

The Importance of Washing Produce to Reduce Pesticide Exposure

Many fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residues that can negatively impact your health.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is crucial for better health. It's also important to wash them properly before consumption. The EPA says that pesticides are used to regulate pests like mosquitoes, ticks, mice, and rats, which can carry disease. Even organic produce can contain pesticide residues, as organic farmers use certain approved pesticides made from natural ingredients. Exposure to pesticides has been linked to many chronic diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, birth defects, and respiratory issues. Agricultural workers face disproportionate risks due to occupational exposure.

While buying organic whenever possible is great, washing all produce is highly recommended. The Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" lists the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables to prioritize buying organic:

Strawberries are some of the most vulnerable to pesticides

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale

4. Peaches

5. Pears

6. Nectarines

7. Apples

8. Grapes

9. Peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green beans

The "Clean Fifteen" are known for having lower pesticide risk:

1. Avocados

2. Corn

3. Pineapples

4. Onions

5. Papayas

6. Frozen peas

7. Asparagus

8. Honeydew

9. Kiwi

10. Cabbage

11. Mushrooms

12. Mangoes

13. Sweet potatoes

14. Watermelons

15. Carrots
    

The Best Way to Wash Produce

The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a recent study. The research concluded that soaking produce in a solution of 1 ounce baking soda per 100 ounces water for 12-15 minutes was most effective at removing pesticides from apple surfaces compared to plain water or bleach solution. Making an effective baking soda solution is a simple, affordable way to further reduce pesticide residues.

Try this method to properly clean fruits and veggies. Eating plenty of fresh produce provides tremendous health benefits, so taking reasonable steps to remove pesticides allows you to maximize those benefits.