Dirty Dozen: These 12 Fruits & Veggies Have The Most Pesticides; Here’s How To Clean Them – News18
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Did you know that certain fruits and vegetables are exposed to the highest levels of pesticides and are known as the Dirty Dozen? Some of the items on this list include apples, spinach, capsicum, green beans, grapes, cauliflower, strawberries, lettuce, and nectarines
Since these foods are exposed to excessive pesticide use, they must be thoroughly cleaned before consumption to minimise health risks. (News18 Hindi)
You likely eat fruits and vegetables every day. They are essential, as they provide vital nutrients to the body, helping you stay healthy and ward off diseases. However, it is crucial to handle them with care after bringing them home from the market. Many fruits and vegetables are sprayed with harmful pesticides to prevent spoilage and insect damage during cultivation. If consumed without proper cleaning, these chemicals can pose serious health risks.
Did you know that certain fruits and vegetables are exposed to the highest levels of pesticides? These are known as the Dirty Dozen. Let’s find out which fruits and vegetables fall into this category and how to clean them properly.
Which Fruits and Vegetables Are Called the Dirty Dozen?
According to MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria, twelve fruits and vegetables have been classified as the Dirty Dozen due to their high pesticide content. These include:
- Apples
- Spinach
- Capsicum
- Green beans
- Grapes
- Cauliflower
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pears
- Peaches
- Lettuce
- Nectarines
Since these foods are exposed to excessive pesticide use, they must be thoroughly cleaned before consumption to minimise health risks.
How To Clean Pesticide-Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables
Never consume these fruits and vegetables without washing them properly, as simply rinsing them under water is not enough to remove harmful chemicals. However, there’s no need to buy expensive vegetable washes, as a simple home remedy does the trick!
- Take a large bowl and fill it with water.
- Add a teaspoon of baking soda and mix well.
- Soak all fruits and vegetables in this solution for at least 15 minutes.
- After soaking, rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
- Store them in the fridge only after they are completely dry.
This method is an easy and cost-effective way to remove pesticides from your produce. So, the next time you bring home your groceries, make sure to give them a proper cleanse before eating!
