No Fancy Tricks Needed: American Experts Reveal the Best and Safest Way to Remove Pesticides from Fruits and Vegetables!

While many tips for washing fruits and vegetables are shared online, according to experts, this is the most effective method.

When it comes to washing produce, what most people care about is how to completely remove pesticide residues. The internet offers many hacks like using white vinegar, baking soda, or special cleaning solutions. However, according to experts, the most effective and safest way is still simply rinsing under running tap water.

According to HuffPost, Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist and Medical Director at the U.S. National Capital Poison Center, states:
Using running tap water is the simplest and safest way to remove pesticides and bacteria from fruits and vegetables.

She does not recommend soaking fruits and vegetables in water, because although soaking can help remove some pesticide residues, stagnant water may promote bacterial spread and increase the risk of contamination.

Additionally, both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agree: it’s best to wash fruits and vegetables under running water and avoid using solutions like vinegar, soap, or chemical food cleaners.

The reason is that fruits and vegetables can absorb liquids. If you use these cleaning agents, they might seep into the produce and affect your health. According to Emma Laing, Director of Nutrition at the University of Georgia, many commercial produce washes have not been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.

Even though rinsing under running water is the best method, each type of produce has a different structure and may require a different approach when washing.

Here are a few tips:

• Berries and vegetables with crevices like strawberries and cauliflower: Gently rinse under running water. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging the surface, which can create entry points for bacteria.

• Leafy vegetables with rough surfaces or multiple layers like cabbage and bok choy: Separate the leaves and thoroughly rinse each one to remove dirt and bacteria.

• Green leafy vegetables like kale or lettuce: Should be separated and individually rinsed under running water. Avoid soaking an entire bunch in a basin.

• Thick-skinned fruits like cantaloupes and mangoes: Should also be washed thoroughly before peeling, even though you won’t eat the skin. This prevents bacteria from transferring from the skin to the flesh during cutting.

Additionally, using a special produce brush is a highly effective but often overlooked method. The friction from the brush helps remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues from the surface.

In summary, the best way to wash fruits and vegetables is simply by rinsing them thoroughly under running water. There’s no need for chemicals or special cleaning solutions. Washing properly and thoroughly is enough to significantly reduce pesticide residues and bacteria.