Pesticides are usually used in numerous growing fruits, vegetable and grain crops for commercial sales in order to protect them from weeds, fungi, insects, mice and other animals as well as from viruses, bacteria and mold. In USA, pesticide usage is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But still you can do several things to protect yourself from pesticides:
DIY PRODUCE WASH
Have you ever heard that by using water and vinegar you can remove the pesticides from fruit and vegetables? Well these two ingredients will surely help!
First fill up a large bowel or previously cleaned sink with 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water. Then soak your vegetables and fruits for an hour. Non –organic apples should be soaked for another 30 minutes. Then remove them and rinse them well with water and they are ready to be consumed! Just look at the “soaking water” and you will see all the filth that came out of the produce. This mixture will also help in extending the life of your fruits and vegetables.
DIY PRODUCE SPRAY
In order to prepare this anti-pesticide spray you will need simple ingredients that are already found in your kitchen!
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 cup water
Mix all the ingredients until the baking soda is dissolved and put the mixture in a clean spray bottle. After spraying the fruits and vegetables with this mixture wait for 5-10 minutes and then rinse them and enjoy in consuming them.
STORE-BOUGHT PRODUCE WASH OPTIONS
There are many Commercial Food Wash Products available. Always read the ingredient labels and do not buy those that contain harsh chemicals as our purpose is to remove the pesticides in the first place and not adding even more chemicals.
With the simple recipes above you can reduce the amount of pesticides that are found on the food you consume every day. But you must be aware that there is a new generation of pesticides called systemic pesticides which cannot be washed as they are inside the produce. That is why if you can- always buy organic fruits and vegetables. Otherwise always use the above mentioned treatments.
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