Home Remedies for Cleaning Fruits: We wash fruits in normal water before using them, but this doesn't remove pesticide residue. Let's tell you what to do about it.

How to remove pesticides from apples?

Best Way To Remove Pesticides From Apples: We bring fruits and vegetables from the market, wash them with normal tap water, and then use them. This rule is followed by most people in almost all parts of the world. However, we should take some precautions while preparing fruits and vegetables. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, they should be washed thoroughly under running water to remove dust, dirt, and bacteria. But the question is, if pesticide residues remain on the fruits, how should they be cleaned? Let us tell you what to do for this. 

How can pesticides be removed?

To answer this question, researchers at the University of Manchester conducted a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Industry. This study specifically examined the most effective method for removing pesticides from apples. Two types of pesticides were used in the study: thiabendazole and phosmet. The apples were exposed to these chemicals for 24 hours. They were then washed using three different methods: regular tap water, as recommended by the FDA, a Clorox bleach solution used in the fruit industry after harvesting, and a solution of water and baking soda, which can be easily prepared at home. All three methods produced better results. 

What was the result of this research?

Of the three methods, the baking soda solution proved to be the most effective. Soaking apples in this solution for 12 to 15 minutes and then rinsing with clean water removes most of the pesticides on the apple's surface. However, the researchers cautioned that pesticides that have penetrated the apple's peel, known as "internalized pesticides," may not be completely eliminated. Peeling apples may be a better option, but it also reduces the benefits of the vitamins and minerals present in the peel. The research also showed that simply rinsing with a Clorox bleach solution for two minutes, as is commonly done, is not sufficient to completely remove pesticides from the apple's surface. Therefore, you can use the baking soda solution, although you should be careful with your handling.