How to Remove Pesticides From Fruits & Vegetables at Home? 

As everyone knows, farmers spray chemicals on their crops to protect them from pests. These chemicals, called pesticides and insecticides, help save the crops and the fruits and vegetables that grow on them. However, they are not good for our health.
Health Risks of Pesticides
Consuming food with pesticides and insecticides can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Intestinal disorders
- Skin rashes
- Eye tearing
- Blurred vision
- Low blood pressure
- Low heart rate
- Nervous system breakdown
- Cancer
You might think washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating them is enough. But a report by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that rinsing with water only removes dirt and surface toxins.
What Can We Do?
One option is to eat only organic fruits and vegetables. Organic produce is grown without chemicals, including pesticides and insecticides. However, organic fruits and vegetables are often more expensive and not always available.
Easy Home Solutions
Since we can't stop eating fruits and vegetables, here are some easy ways to remove pesticides and insecticides at home using common household products:
1. Vinegar Solution
Vinegar helps kill bacteria and remove pesticide residues.
- Mix one part vinegar with three parts water.
- Soak the produce for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with clean water.
2. Salt Soak
Sea salt (not rock salt) helps clean produce of chemicals.
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every liter of water and stir until dissolved.
- Submerge the produce and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove the salt taste and residue.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda creates an alkaline environment that pesticides and bacteria can’t survive in.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 4 cups of water and stir until dissolved.
- Soak the produce for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and rub under running water.
According to research by the University of Massachusetts, this method breaks down toxic compounds and reduces up to 90% of pesticides and insecticides.
These methods are simple and easy to use at home. How do you clean your fruits and vegetables to ensure maximum purity? Tell us in the comments!