To replenish vitamins, a balanced diet includes daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, when sublimating our savory and sweet recipes, hygiene rules must still be observed. In fact, many studies have shown that these foods we regularly consume contain highly toxic pesticides and heavy metals. From tomatoes to cucumbers, from apples to grapes: all the foods we like to include in our diet must be free from pesticides. To solve the problem, organic crops are, without a doubt, the most recommended. But sometimes they are less accessible and more expensive!
For many, the easiest way out is to peel fruits and vegetables to avoid toxic risks. But you are not exempt from washing there either. Even if you want to remove the skin from an apple or pear, wash it first. However, let’s not forget that it is the skin that contains the maximum amount of nutrients useful for the body. Why should you give it up? But even if you rinse your food thoroughly with water, you can’t be sure you’ve removed most of the pesticides. To ensure that your plate contains only healthy dishes, it is best to maintain impeccable hygiene.
To keep the skin of your fruits and vegetables free of unwanted substances, you can use some natural tricks. Before you cook and eat them, here are 5 practical tips for eliminating pesticides!
1) Water
The simplest but most important way to remove pesticides is to wash fruits and vegetables with water. If possible, it is best to use lightly salted water. Attention: Never use soap or detergent to clean!
Cold water can help remove most pesticide residue. Foods that need to be washed well include tomatoes, pears, peaches, plums, apples and grapes. Also remember to wash lettuce very carefully, as it contains a lot of nitrates and pesticides. As an extra precaution, you can also steam your food.
Note: If it is absolutely necessary to use orange or lemon peels for culinary preparation, we recommend that you read the attached instructions. In some cases, it may be said that you cannot consume them (or use them for cosmetic purposes) because they may contain chemicals that are actually harmful to your health. For this reason, it is recommended to only leave the peel on organic fruits or products of safe origin.
2) Baking soda
According to several studies, baking soda is still very effective in removing most pesticides from a vegetable, thus improving water washing. The paste made from this natural ingredient is particularly suitable for cleaning pears, peppers, eggplants and apples.
To make this paste, mix a teaspoon of water with a spoon of baking soda. Apply the mixture to food with a toothbrush. Small fruits such as grapes, blackberries or strawberries should be soaked in a container with a liter of water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Let them soak for a quarter of an hour. A reassuring way to reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides.
3) white vinegar
Just like baking soda, you can also use white vinegar. This other natural ingredient is also recommended to combat pesticides in fruits and vegetables. Lettuce and spinach, in particular, are among the most contaminated vegetables.
Simply add one cup of white vinegar and two cups of water to a container. Soak fruits and vegetables for about 20 minutes and then rinse them under cold water for a few seconds.
4) Baking soda and lemon
The combination of baking soda and lemon is also suitable as a food cleaning technique to rid it of most residues that are toxic to the body.
Make a spray by mixing 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Spray this mixture directly onto apples, pears, spinach, lettuce, etc. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
5) Shall
As we have already said, it may be even more useful to wash your skin with a little salt. Wash the fruits and vegetables you intend to cook not only with running water, but also with salt. The latter facilitates the extraction of pesticides, plant protection products and soil. Also, sprinkling some coarse salt on the pan you are grilling in will make it safer.
You no longer need to systematically remove the skin from fruits and vegetables, which are rich in nutrients important for health. Now you have the best tips for consuming healthy foods without the risk of toxicity. It’s up to you to develop these good reflexes every day!