Have you washed your apple before consuming it? Or, at least, did you rub it off your shirt? But it wouldn't make a difference. Washing/rubbing would not fulfill the aim of cleaning because washing alone would not remove the pesticides and chemicals from your fruits.
Now you can enjoy your chemical-free fruits with these easy methods:
Wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them:
According to the Centre for Science and Environment, washing fruits with 2% saltwater removes the majority of contact pesticide residues that ordinarily develop on the surface of vegetables and fruits. Coldwater washing removes around 75 to 80% of pesticide residue.
Wash with saltwater:
This is possibly the most basic. All you need is a large mixing basin, salt, and water. Soak the fruits in two tablespoons of salt in four cups of warm water for 30-60 minutes. After that, give it a good rinse with cold water. However, this method is not suitable for berries, which can be harmed by the soak and wind up tasting salty.
Use of Baking Soda:
According to some studies, soaking fruits in baking soda can lower contamination levels by up to 96%. All you have to do is fill a large bowl halfway with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to this. Mix well and add the fruits you want to clean. Allow it to soak for a few moments.
Consider giving the fruit a good clean with a brush. If the fruit's outer skin is thin, skip this step. Enjoy the fruit after wiping it with a dry towel.
Wash with vinegar:
This is an alternative to soaking the fruits in saltwater. In a large mixing basin, combine four parts of water and one part of vinegar. Soak all of your fruits in this mixture for 30-60 minutes. After that, give it a good rinse with cold water. This will help to eliminate contaminants and keep your fruit fresh for a longer period of time without spoiling it.
These are some easy methods through which you can enjoy your favorite fruits without any fear of chemicals and other contaminations.
