Fruit Cleaner and Vegetable Wash

We think of produce as being natural ingredients, but we shouldn't overlook ways to eliminate the wax and pesticides used on our produce. By simply washing (and making our own cleaner) and cooking our produce we can reduce so much of the icky stuff from the soil and store (think spray pesticides).

Buying organic is always ideal, but it can be hard to only purchase organic fruit and veggies due to price, and store access, so what are the other ways we can love our food without making things exceedingly difficult for ourselves.

No need to search any further, here is a discussion on ways to eliminate the bad stuff from your veggies (like waxes and pesticides), without needing to purchase produce wash from the store!

A fruit cleaner typically refers to a device or solution designed for cleaning fruit, removing dirt, pesticides, bacteria, and other contaminants. There are different ways to clean fruit, and various products are available for this purpose. Here are some common methods and products for cleaning fruits:

Water:

The simplest and most natural way to clean fruit is by rinsing them under running water. Rubbing or brushing the surface can help remove dirt and some pesticides.

Vegetable and Fruit Wash:

There are commercially available fruit and vegetable washes that you can use to clean your produce. These products often contain natural or food-grade ingredients that help break down and remove contaminants.

Vinegar Solution:

Some people use a solution of vinegar and water to clean fruit. Mixing one part vinegar with three parts water can be an effective way to remove pesticides and bacteria. However, it's essential to rinse thoroughly with plain water afterward.

Baking Soda Solution:

Another homemade solution is to mix baking soda with water. This can help remove pesticides and some contaminants. Again, thorough rinsing with water is important.

Ultrasonic Cleaners:

Some specialized fruit cleaners use ultrasonic technology to clean fruits. These devices create high-frequency sound waves in water, producing microscopic bubbles that implode, effectively cleaning the fruit's surface.

When using any cleaner or solution, it's crucial to follow the recommended guidelines and thoroughly rinse the fruit afterward to ensure the removal of any residues. Always be aware of any allergies or sensitivities to the cleaning agents you choose. Additionally, some fruit and vegetables have delicate skins or surfaces, so it's important to handle them gently during the cleaning process.

Remember that organic fruit and vegetables may have fewer pesticide residues, but it's still essential to clean them thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria.

Common Pesticides Used on Produce

The use of pesticides on produce in the United States varies widely, and the specific pesticides used depend on the type of crop, pest pressures, and the preferences of individual farmers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of pesticides to ensure they meet safety standards for human health and the environment. Pesticides are used to control pests, including insects, weeds, and diseases, and they play a crucial role in maintaining crop yields.

Common types of pesticides used on produce include:

1. Insecticides: These are chemicals used to control insect pests. Examples include organophosphates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and carbamates.

2. Herbicides: These are chemicals used to control weeds. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides, but there are many others, including atrazine, 2,4-D, and dicamba.

3. Fungicides: These are chemicals used to control fungal diseases. Examples include copper-based fungicides, azoxystrobin, and myclobutanil.

4. Rodenticides: These are used to control rodents that may damage crops. Anticoagulant rodenticides are commonly used.

5. Nematicides: These are used to control nematodes, which are microscopic worms that can harm plant roots. Examples include organophosphates and carbamates.

It's important to note that the use of pesticides is a complex and regulated process. The EPA establishes maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides on food, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors and enforces these limits. Additionally, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website publishes an annual list called the "Dirty Dozen," which highlights fruits and vegetables with higher pesticide residues based on USDA data. This list is meant to inform consumers about produce items that may benefit from extra attention when it comes to washing or choosing organic options.

Consumers who are concerned about pesticide residues can take steps to protect or minimize exposure, such as washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, buying organic produce, and being aware of the EWG's recommendations.

Learn how to make a homemade fruit and vegetable wash so you have the cleanest pesticide-free produce in your home

Making a homemade fruit and vegetable wash is a straightforward and cost-effective way to clean your produce. Here's a simple recipe using common household ingredients:

Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Wash:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• Optional: A few drops of lemon juice (for a fresh scent)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a bowl or a clean container, combine the distilled white vinegar and water.

   • Add the baking soda to the mixture. The baking soda helps to remove pesticide residues and some bacteria.

2. Stir Well:

   • Stir the ingredients well until the baking soda is dissolved.

3. Optional: Add Lemon Juice:

   • If you want to add a fresh scent to your fruit and vegetable wash, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. Lemon juice also has natural cleaning properties.

4. Transfer to a Spray Bottle:

   • Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle. A spray bottle makes it easy to apply the solution evenly (you can also just put the produce in a bowl with the mixture).

5. Application:

   • Spray the homemade wash directly onto your fruits and vegetables.

6. Soak and Rinse:

   • Let the solution sit on the produce for a few minutes to allow it to break down contaminants.

   • After soaking, rinse the fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cold, running water. This helps to remove any remaining residues and the vinegar smell.

7. Dry:

   • Pat the produce dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Additional Tips:

• Leafy Greens:

  • For leafy greens, you can submerge them in a bowl of the solution, swish them around, and then rinse thoroughly.

• Berries:

  • Berries can be delicate, so it's best to rinse them under a gentle stream of water.

• Organic Produce:

  • While this wash can help remove some pesticides, organic produce generally has fewer pesticide residues. Consider buying organic when possible.

Remember that washing alone may not eliminate all pesticide residues, and it's important to choose a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. This homemade fruit and vegetable wash can be a useful addition to your routine, especially for conventionally grown produce

Alternatives to Pesticide Reduction besides Fruit and Veggie Wash

Cooking can reduce pesticide residues on produce as well, but the effectiveness depends on the type of pesticide and the cooking method of choice. Here are some general considerations:

1. Washing Before Cooking:

   • Washing fruits and vegetables before cooking is an essential first step. It helps remove surface residues, dirt, and contaminants. Use a gentle scrub brush for items with thicker skins, and rinse leafy greens thoroughly.

2. Peeling:

   • Peeling fruits and vegetables can further reduce pesticide exposure, as many pesticides are concentrated on or near the surface. However, this may also remove some of the nutrients and fiber.

3. Cooking Methods:

   • Different cooking methods have varying effects on pesticide residues:

     • Boiling: Boiling can reduce pesticide residues, especially if the pesticides are water-soluble.

     • Steaming: Steaming is a gentler cooking method that may preserve more nutrients compared to boiling. It can also help reduce pesticide residues to some extent.

     • Baking and Roasting: Baking and roasting at higher temperatures may break down pesticides.

     • Frying: Frying at high temperatures may not be as effective at reducing pesticide residues, and it can add extra calories and potentially form harmful compounds.

4. Diversity in Diet:

   • Consuming a diverse range of fruits and vegetables is essential. If you're concerned about pesticide residues, consider choosing a variety of produce and, when possible, opt for organic options.

5. Local and Seasonal Produce:

   • Buying local and seasonal produce can be a good strategy. Local and in-season produce often requires fewer pesticides for cultivation.

6. Organic Options:

   • Choosing organic produce is an effective way to minimize pesticide exposure, as organic farming practices restrict the use of synthetic pesticides.

It's important to note that while cooking and washing can reduce pesticide residues, they may not eliminate them entirely.