Chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones are widely used in plant and animal farming to increase production. There are various reasons for this, from increased yields to reduced food waste and improved appearance and taste. But did you know that there are ways to clean fruits and vegetables of pesticides and harmful chemicals? Read on to learn how to wash fruit and vegetables to make them healthier to eat.
Food Contamination
Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated in a variety of ways before they reach us. Pesticides, which are potentially toxic to humans, as well as fertilisers and other chemicals, help control pests, weeds, and diseases, but they also pose a serious threat to our health. The type of contamination of fruits and vegetables depends on the type of produce, how it was grown, how it was transported, and how it was stored and handled.
Food can also become contaminated after we buy it, during food preparation, or through improper storage. Regardless of the type of contamination, it must be physically removed before consumption to avoid foodborne diseases.
According to health officials, millions of people around the world get sick from food contaminated with harmful bacteria every year. Research shows that a significant number of people do not wash fruits and vegetables after taking them out of packages or refrigerators. Rule number one when it comes to consuming fresh produce is to wash the products under running water, even if it is packaged, like tomatoes or capsicums, or pre-washed, like spinach and salads. Commercial prewash is performed using chemicals that need to be physically removed by running water. The same rule applies to organic products.
How to Prevent Foodborne Illness
The Food and Drug Administration has several recommendations on how to prevent foodborne diseases by properly handling fresh produce, including:
- Choose products that are not damaged or bruised
- Make sure cut products, such as watermelon, are refrigerated or on ice
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after preparing fresh produce
- Cut out the damaged parts before eating
- Wash products before peeling to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria from the peel to the product
- Gently scrub the products under running water – there is no need to use soap or commercial produce detergent
- Use a clean brush to scrub products such as cucumbers and melons
- Dry the products with a clean cloth or paper towel after washing
- Remove the outer leaves of the head of lettuce or cabbage
Other ways to remove dirt and pesticides include soaking fruits and vegetables in a solution of baking soda, salt water, or vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinsing them with running water and drying. Research shows that store-bought vegetable and fruit cleansers are no more useful than soaking in tap water.
Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy organism. By removing as much pesticide residue as possible, we ensure that our consumption of fresh products provides all the necessary health benefits.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using rosemary in any form.