Fruits and vegetables from the market are usually coated with pesticide residues and food-grade waxes. They usually are unless you go for organic ones which may be more expensive than their counterparts.
Pesticides are an ‘evil-must’ to most farmers when it comes to their plantation. Suggested by the name itself—pesticides—they render the plants pest free. On the other hand, food-grade waxes are applied to help maintain its shelf life as well as boost food appearance like in coloring and firmness.
Unfortunately, high level of pesticide exposure is often associated to various diseases. Rinsing your fruits and vegetables with tap water won’t just do. Naturally, it is a huge dilemma knowing that water isn’t enough to get rid of these unwanted chemicals. Good thing though that we have few tricks up our sleeves to help you with this problem. The trick consists of ingredients found within your kitchen: vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and water.
Directions
- Mix 3 parts water with 1 part of white vinegar (remember the 3:1 ratio), 1 tbsp. of baking soda and 2 tbsp. of lemon juice. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and use as a spray to your fruits and veggies. You can rinse them with water after spraying with concocted mixture.
- Alternatively, fill a large bowl (depending on how many fruits and veggies you have) with 90% water and 10% white vinegar. Soak the fruits and vegetables for about 15-20 minutes, stir and rinse with water.