Remove Pesticides by Washing your Fruits and Veggies

Many fruits and vegetables are grown with pesticides to get rid of bugs, and for that reason anyone in the health and wellness field will tell you to make sure you buy organic fruits and vegetables instead of that pesticide ridden produce.

Well, what if your budget doesn't allow you to splurge this pay period? It might be the first of the month and you have to pay your mortgage. Something's got to give, right?

I have great news! You don't have to suffer or feel guilty. Just soak your produce yourself in the comfort of your own kitchen using white vinegar and a dash of salt.

It's quite cheap to do this but if you don't have the time or the patience to concoct your own mixture, you can purchase a pre-made produce wash for around $4 at any major grocery store.

The vinegar cleans and the salt draws out any pesky little bugs, dirt and bacteria. It will also remove some of the wax you feel, especially on cucumbers.

Ingredients: Mix 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar and a dash of salt

To soak: Fill a clean sink or large bowl with cold water; add in vinegar and salt.  (I use sea salt but any salt will do.) Then, swish them around to ensure all of it is completely submerged. Let them soak for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse under cold water and dry. (I use filtered or distilled water for this entire process because I don't want contaminants from the tap water to enter my produce while it is most vulnerable, during a soak).

Not all pesticides can be removed from washing, they are grown into the fruit/vegetable. If at all possible, buy these ORGANIC... Apples, celery, cherries, cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches, spinach, potatoes, imported nectarines, hot peppers, grapes, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, collards, kale, summer squash and zucchini.

FYI-*Some research states it is just as safe to rinse your produce with only tap water while other research contradicts that. I personally go the extra mile because it's hard to know what to believe anymore. I say, if you have the time and a few extra bucks, do the vinegar soak... if only for peace of mind.

xoxo, Health Nut Suzy

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