3 ways to wash produce to remove chemicals

Hello! I just spent quite some time on Tuesday evening cleaning my fruits and vegetables, and then realized how important it is to do it - when lots of people probably do not - hence this post. It is SO important for us to wash any produce we bring home, especially raw food we consume.

Here is why:

• The U.S uses 1.2 billion pounds (545,454kg) of pesticides a year.
• According to a study, children living in areas with heavy pesticide use had impaired coordination, short term memory impairment and decreased stamina.
• Other health risks associated with the use of pesticides include: skin, eye, and lung irritation; hormone disruption; brain and nervous system toxicity; cancer; blood disorders; nerve disorders; birth defects; reproduction effects.

The 'dirtiest' produce (try to buy organic when possible!):

• Apples
• Plums
• Celery
• Cilantro
• Potatoes
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Green leavy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)

The 'cleaner' produce:

• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Eggplant
• Pineapple
• Avocado
• Watermelon
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Cantaloupe/rockmelon

Produce that is not organic can be laiden with pesticides and harmful chemicals that we do NOT want to ingest into our body! Even organic produce needs to be washed well because it has been handled and it is important to remove any traces of dirt. This is why it is vital for us to wash them properly. And how do we do that? Here are four ways to properly wash your produce!

1. Aluminium free baking soda
Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it forms an alkaline solution when combined with water. I like to use this method because it is really easy and hassle free! Interestingly, baking soda, when ingested works wonderfully as an antacid too because it is alkaline forming and will remove the excess acid in your stomach. Make sure you are NOT buying baking powder (which is acidic) and remember to get Aluminium free baking soda!

Directions: Add baking soda to a bowl of water and soak produce for 10 minutes, rinse well and drain.

2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have bactericidal effects.

Directions: Add vinegar to water, soak produce, rinse well and drain. The vinegar will also acts as a mild detergent to remove particles on the produce.

3. Sea salt
Adding salt to water will cause any bugs hidden between the leaves of the vegetables to float up to the surface of the water. At home, we use Celtic or Himalayan sea salt! Stay away from table salt as it has no minerals whatsoever and will only lead to bloating. Sea salt will also make the vegetables crisper, what a bonus!

Directions: Add sea salt to water, soak for 10 minutes, rinse and drain well.



Even better, if you have the time, try making your own veggie wash by combining the above ingredients - it is fairly inexpensive and will be worth it!

Stay healthy! x