HOW TO remove pesticides on fruits and vegetables

Pesticides might be present in the fruits and vegetables that we consume.  They are used during cultivation to protect the fruits and vegetables from pest.  Long term consumption of pesticide residues can be damaging to our health.   Thus the extra effort of cleansing these raw ingredients is absolutely necessary.

Apple: if intend to consume the skin, sprinkle baking soda on the apple and rub the entire fruit thoroughly before rinsing.  If the wax on the apple is thick like those on the green apples, I would prefer to pare it before biting into it.  If the layer of wax is thin, I would use a paring knife and carefully scrape the wax off. 

Strawberries: Wash just before using them, otherwise they will get mushy.   Leave the stems on while washing, otherwise the texture of the fruit will be affected.  Place them in a colander and rinse under running water.

Blueberries or grapes:  How to wash blueberries

Blackberries or raspberries:  Wash just before using them, otherwise they will get mushy.  Place them in a colander and dip them into a bowl of water.  Swish the colander in the water and drain well.

        

Fruits and vegetables which we do not consume the skin, eg. citrus fruits, mango, avocado, rinse them well before paring / peeling the skin.

For fruits or vegetables with edible skin, eg. guava, plums, peaches, pear, tomatoes, brinjals, bittergourd, ladies fingers:  Sprinkle baking soda on them and gently rub the entire fruit/vegetable thoroughly before rinsing. 

Finally soak the fruits and vegetables which we did not remove the skin:

Prepare the soaking water - for every 1L of water, add 10ml of vinegar or homemade eco-enzyme.  Soak the fruits/vegetables for 30min-45min.  Drain well.