How can you properly filter pesticides from your food?

How to Filter Pesticides from Your Food

Pesticides are commonly used in farming to protect crops from pests, but their residue can remain on produce even after it's harvested and delivered to your local market. Though the amounts are usually below the limits deemed safe by health officials, some people might prefer to minimize their exposure. Here’s how you can reduce the amount of pesticides in your food.

Buying Organic

Organic farming is a practice that uses only natural substances (such as manure and compost) to keep pests at bay. Organic produce tends to have less pesticide residue compared to conventionally-grown ones. However, organic products can be more expensive. It's advisable to prioritize buying organic when it comes to certain fruits and vegetables that are known to have higher pesticide residues, such as strawberries, spinach, and apples.

Proper Cleaning

One way to reduce the amount of pesticide residue on your produce is by washing it thoroughly under cold, running water. You can also consider using a vegetable brush for items with a firmer skin like potatoes or cucumbers. Besides, certain products exist on the market specifically designed to wash fruits and vegetables. However, the effectiveness of these products hasn't been proven superior to simple, thorough rinsing with water.

Peeling and Removing Outer Layers

Peeling fruits and vegetables or removing their outer layers can eliminate most of the pesticide residues since they are often concentrated on the surface. However, keep in mind that peeling also removes beneficial nutrients found in the skin or outer layers. Thus, this method might be best applied to fruits and vegetables whose outer layers aren’t typically consumed.