Why & How You Should Wash ALL Your Produce (even organic!)
In today’s health-conscious world, many people are turning to organic produce as a way to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides. While organic fruits and vegetables are a better choice for your health and the environment, it’s still crucial to wash them properly before consumption. Let’s dive into why this is important, the best method for washing your produce, and the risks associated with skipping this step.
Organic vs. Conventional: Why Organic is Better
Choosing organic produce is a step in the right direction when it comes to reducing your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Organic farming practices prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, instead relying on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control. This leads to cleaner, healthier produce with significantly lower levels of pesticide residues.
According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, organic produce contains up to 81% fewer pesticide residues compared to conventional produce. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) also reports that people who eat organic produce have significantly lower levels of pesticide metabolites in their bodies than those who consume conventional produce.
However, while organic produce is generally safer, it’s not completely free from contaminants. Organic farms may still use certain natural pesticides, and produce can be exposed to environmental pollutants like dust, dirt, and bacteria during transportation and handling. This is why washing all produce, organic or not, is so important.
The Best Way to Wash Produce: Baking Soda Soak
When it comes to washing fruits and vegetables, not all methods are created equal. Rinsing under cold water alone can remove some surface dirt, but it’s not enough to eliminate pesticide residues or bacteria. One of the most effective and non-toxic methods for cleaning produce is a baking soda soak.
A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that soaking produce in a solution of baking soda and water was the most effective way to remove pesticides. The study showed that a 15-minute soak in a baking soda solution removed 96% of pesticides from apples, outperforming both plain water and commercial produce washes.
Why Baking Soda Works
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural, alkaline substance that can break down and neutralize acidic pesticides, making them easier to remove from the surface of fruits and vegetables. Its mild abrasive properties also help to dislodge dirt, wax, and other residues that may cling to produce.
Here’s how you can use baking soda to wash your produce:
Fill a large bowl with water.
Add 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda.
Submerge your produce in the solution and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
After soaking, scrub the produce gently with a brush or your hands.
Rinse thoroughly under cold water and dry.
Why You Should Wash Organic Produce
Even though organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, it can still harbor natural pesticides, bacteria, and environmental contaminants. Soil, manure, and water used in organic farming can introduce harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella to your fruits and vegetables. Additionally, organic produce is often handled and transported in the same way as conventional produce, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
If you don’t wash your organic produce, you risk ingesting these contaminants, which can lead to foodborne illnesses, digestive issues, and even long-term health problems.
Avoid Toxic Produce Washes
In an effort to clean produce thoroughly, some people turn to commercial produce washes. However, these products can contain harmful chemicals that may leave residues on your fruits and vegetables. These chemicals can potentially be absorbed by your body, defeating the purpose of cleaning your produce in the first place.
Instead of relying on toxic washes, stick to natural methods like the baking soda soak mentioned earlier. It’s effective, safe, and doesn’t introduce any harmful substances to your food.
Wash Your Produce, Every Time
Whether you’re buying organic or conventional produce, washing your fruits and vegetables is a crucial step in ensuring they’re safe to eat. By choosing organic, you’re already reducing your exposure to harmful pesticides, but it’s important to remember that no produce is completely contaminant-free.
Using a baking soda soak is one of the best ways to clean your produce effectively, without the use of toxic chemicals. This simple step can help protect you and your family from potential health risks, ensuring that your healthy choices remain just that—healthy.
