Pesticide residue refers to the pesticides that may remain on or in food after they are applied to food crops.[1] The levels of these residues in foods are often stipulated by regulatory bodies in many countries. Exposure of the general population to these residues most commonly occurs through consumption of treated food sources, or being in close contact to areas treated with pesticides such as farms or lawns around houses.
The majority of fruits and vegetables purchased at your local store contain some degree of various types of pesticides. Farmers and growers use these chemicals to enable them to produce near-perfect fruits and vegetables in mass quantities, free of insects, bacteria, mold and rodents. However, these artificial chemicals pose health risks to humans, especially young children. Neurological and gastrointestinal problems, as well as problems in the endocrine and hormonal systems have been linked to pesticides, and more studies are being done to understand their full impact on the body. Learning how to rid your produce of pesticide residue is vital to a healthful diet and a healthy body.
Precautions to reduce the residual pesticides
Buy organic fruits and vegetables when possible to avoid pesticide residue.
• Though more expensive, organic produce is grown without the use of artificial pesticides.
Know which fruits and vegetables pose the highest risk for pesticide residue if you can not buy organic produce.
• Some produce, such as strawberries, peppers, peaches, cherries, apples and greens typically pose more of a risk of having high levels of pesticides.
• Avocados, bananas, corn, watermelon, cauliflower and broccoli are some of the produce that typically have less pesticide residue
Fruits and Vegetables which has more possibility of residual pesticides
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Cherry tomatoes
4. Cucumbers
5. Grapes
6. Hot peppers
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Spinach
11. Strawberries
12. Sweet bell peppers
13. Kale/collard greens
14. Summer squash
Fruits and Vegetables which has less possibility of residual pesticides
1. Asparagus
2. Avocados
3. Cabbage
4. Cantaloupe
5. Sweet corn
6. Eggplant
7. Grapefruit
8. Kiwi
9. Mangoes
10. Mushrooms
11. Onions
12. Papayas
13. Pineapples
14. Sweet peas (frozen)
15. Sweet potatoes
Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables prior to eating them.
• Use warm water and wash your produce for as long as you would your hands.
• About 75-80% of pesticide reduces are removed by cold water washing.
Make your own produce wash to remove pesticide residue from fruits and vegetables.
1 This can be made my mixing one teaspoon of sea salt per cup of water, or by diluting vinegar with water.Soak your fruits and vegetables in the mixture, then rinse
2 Fill up a large bowl or your kitchen sink (pre-cleaned, of course!) with 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water. Let your fruits/vegetables soak in this mixture for up to an hour (non-organic apples can soak for an additional 30 minutes to an hour). Remove the produce from the mixture, give them another quick rinse with water, and they are ready to eat!
3 This pesticide-removing natural spray is super simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 cup water
• Mix these ingredients until the baking soda has dissolved, and pour into a clean spray bottle. Spritz the mixture onto your fruits and vegetables, and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the mixture off, and enjoy your produce!
4 There are many commercial produce wash products available. Be sure to read the ingredient labels and avoid washes that contain harsh chemicals as it defeats the purpose of removing the pesticides in the first place. Some of our favorites are:
Environne Fruit & Vegetable Wash
Biokleen Produce Wash
Citrus Magic Veggie Wash
Peel the skin off fruits and vegetables when possible.
• Even when you plan to remove the skin from your produce, wash it first to eliminate even more pesticide residue.
Shop at local farmers’ markets or produce stands.
• Local growers use less pesticides and are also more likely to grow organically. Their produce is often picked fresh.
Grow your own fruits and vegetables.
• When produce comes out of your own garden or back yard, you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
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