FRESH PRODUCE
Most of the fruits and vegetables we eat have been cultivated using pesticides and other chemical agents. Even after traveling all the way from the farm to our kitchens, fresh produce can still contain pesticide residue. These pesticides are made of toxic substances that can be dangerous if consumed in high amounts. One way to reduce pesticide consumption is to buy certified organic produce, but these crops are harder to grow and are often more expensive. However, you can still remove pesticide residue from your food with this simple method.
IT TAKES FIVE MINUTES
You don’t need much to reduce the amount of pesticide in your fruit and vegetables. All it takes is a few minutes and some items that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– half a lemon
– a glass of water (or, alternatively, apple cider vinegar)
– 2 tsp baking soda
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to your fresh produce. Wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before consuming.
WHY IT WORKS
Washing with water alone is not enough to get rid of pesticides, but one study suggests that a baking soda mixture can do the trick. That’s because the baking soda breaks down the pesticides, removing them from the surface of the produce. If you can’t always find or afford organic produce, this method is a safe bet to reduce your risk of consuming harmful chemicals.
