Nothing beats biting into fresh fruits and quenching your appetite. But is it clean? Let’s learn how to safely clean fruits and vegetables and ensure your health via natural nutrition.
Why Clean Fruits and Vegetables?
Is it really necessary to clean your fruits and vegetables? The short answer is – YES. Non-organic produce has an astounding 80% of its surface covered with pesticide residuals. Pesticides have been used for many years to kill live bacteria and insects which may ruin crops. Several types of pesticides exists: herbicides, insecticides and antimicrobials – which are all used on produce. These pesticides allow farmers to reap larger quantities at a lower price. For the consumer, lower prices may seem ideal, but the risk of possible side effect from pesticides exists.
Pesticides have been known to cause short term afflictions such as headache, nausea, dizziness and eye irritation. Chronic afflictions include nerve damage, sepsis and the most frightening – cancer. Unfortunately, cancers from pesticides have no limitations; the risk includes breast cancer, liver cancer, Leukemia and more. In addition to the health risks, pesticides also damage our environment. Natural soil ecosystems are weakening and becoming unable to yield fertile soil.
How About Organic Fruits and Vegetables?
Organic produce must also be washed. Although pesticides are not used to grow organic fruits and vegetables, harmful bacteria can be found in the dirt. If consumed, the bacteria may cause an upset stomach or transmit a food-borne disease such as Salmonella or E.Coli.
What to Use to Clean Fruits and Vegetables?
Running water over your produce is not enough. Commercial soaps should be avoided as they may contain high amounts of chemicals such as triclosan, an antibacterial agent. Triclosan is known for removing bacteria, but also for causing nerve pain (in areas where it comes in contact with). Earlier, we talked about the benefits of organic soaps and their ingredients. Consequently, the best method to clean fruits and vegetables is by using a liquid organic soap such as castile soap or a similar solution. Organic soap will be chemical and fragrance free, while being able to effectively wash away pesticide residuals and bacteria. Now that we have gone over the reasons why we should clean all produce, let’s learn how!
Steps to Safely Clean Fruits and Vegetables
Items you will need:
- Produce
- Organic liquid soap (such as castile)
- Clean basin
- Step 1: Remove your produce from its packaging and place it onto a clean basin.
- Step 2: Once your produce is in its basin, rinse with cool water. Hot water may alter taste.
- Step 3: Pour ⅓ teaspoon of organic liquid soap per 4 cups of water (1 quart) into the basin.
- Step 4: Gently wash your fruits and vegetables in the basin.
- Step 5: Allow fruits and vegetables to sit in the basin for up to 30 seconds with the diluted liquid soap.
- Step 6: Rinse off with cool water.
- Step 7: Allow fruits and vegetables to dry.
Optional: you can also make a spray using ⅓ teaspoon of organic liquid soap per 4 cups of water. Just spray and wash.
You have now successfully cleaned your fruits and vegetables. This fun process allows you to reap the full nutritional value out of your produce while keeping you and your family safe. Please comment and let us know the difference in taste.
Sources:
http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/03/06/is-washing-produce-enough-to-avoid-pesticides
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health/natural-health/pesticides/index.htm
http://www.castilesoap.com/blog/what-is-castile-soap-used-for
http://www.toxicsaction.org/problems-and-solutions/pesticides
