Did you know that you can wash your produce to remove pesticides using some basic things you probably already have at home? This is a great option when organic or homegrown produce isn’t available. While washing won’t remove all pesticide residue and does not work for all produce, it will help reduce your exposure to those chemicals.
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Dirty Dozen & Clean 15
The Environmental Working Group tests 47 types of produce each year to determine the 15 most pesticide contaminated foods and the 12 least pesticide contaminated foods. If you are unable to purchase exclusively organic produce, which can’t be sprayed with synthetic chemicals at all, then consider using the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists to help you decide what to purchase.
I find it helpful to screenshot the list so that it can be easily accessed while grocery shopping. You can then prioritize how to spend your budget and when to splurge on organic produce.
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Wash Your Produce to Remove Pesticides with Tap Water
While a quick rinse will do very little to wash your produce to remove pesticides, a longer soak will. The suggested method is to soak your produce for 30 minutes in tap water. I suggest using a colander inside of a bowl or a salad spinner to soak them. I like to use the salad spinner because then I can spin them dry. This method works best on okra, onions, lettuce, and carrots. Obviously you will most likely want to peel the onions and carrots as well, which will be even more effective.
Wash Your Produce to Remove Pesticides with Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to remove pesticides. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of water. Allow the produce to soak for 30 minutes. Then rinse it off with tap water to remove any taste. This method works best on spinach, cucumbers, citrus, and apples. You can substitute baking soda for salt and get the same effect. If washing cabbages, then salt is preferred over baking soda.
Wash Your Produce to Remove Pesticides with Vinegar
Vinegar with between 4% and 7% acetic acid is needed to wash your produce to remove pesticides. After a 30 minute soak, rinse it with water to remove any residual taste. A vinegar soak works best on tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and potatoes.
Wash Your Produce to Remove Pesticides Peeling & Blanching
Unfortunately, there is no sure fire way to remove all pesticides. Sometimes the way to remove the pesticide residue is to peel the skin off. Peaches, nectarines and melons all need to be peeled. But you can also peel other produce like apples, carrots, or potatoes instead of washing them.
Blanching means putting produce in boiling water for a couple minutes and then transferring it to an ice bath. This is how to remove pesticides from okra and carrots.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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