Even though we know that washing our hands before we eat protects us against unhealthy toxins and bacteria, we don’t always think about also washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly before we eat them.
Did you know that a quick rinse under running water doesn’t really remove much of what is on most produce? Even organic or sustainably grown produce can have hidden dangers lurking on their surfaces. And even if you grow your own fruits and vegetables, fertilizers, animals, and unhealthy soil can contaminate even homegrown produce. Washing with a good fruit and vegetable cleanser can help eliminate surface toxic chemical residues, but it’s still better if you can buy organic versions of these twelve fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Peeling a piece of fruit or vegetable is sometimes an option, but that often removes beneficial nutrients.
The Threat of Fertilizers
Pesticides aren’t the only unhealthy element that may be in your fruits and vegetables. Fertilizers are also potentially dangerous. Although they increase the yield of produce, there are often adverse effects from them. At one time, the EPA decided that unwanted, treated sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment facilities was legal to give to farmers and anyone else to use as inexpensive “fertilizer” or “compost”. Farms and homes across the country unknowingly spread this sludge-derived fertilizer on their fields, lawns, and gardens. But, it’s been found to be loaded with chemicals and heavy metals.
The Environmental Working Group, who analyzed samples of this sewage sludge, found:
? Over 100 synthetic organic compounds including phthalates, toluene, and chlorobenzene ? Dioxins in sludge from 80 percent or 179 out of 208 systems ? Forty-two different pesticides ? Nine heavy metals, often at high concentrations
Why Rinsing Isn’t Enough Protection
It is impossible to remove all the contaminants mentioned above with just water. Plus, produce is often waxed after harvest to withstand the long time it takes to get to market and to protect it as many hands touch it. The wax seals in pesticide residue and debris, and this makes them very difficult to remove with just water. Thus, to get to and remove the contaminants buried beneath the surface of your vegetables and fruits, you need a cleanser that also removes the wax.
Products
The two-sided Veggie and Fruit Cloth is perfect for scrubbing and polishing fruit and veggies. Rough side for scrubbing, smooth side for polishing. www.Norwex.com
SunSmile® Fruit & Vegetable Rinse cleans dirt, waxy coatings, oily substances, and other undesirable residues from your fruits and vegetables. It even cleans delicate produce like broccoli heads, field greens, and herbs. www.Sunrider.com
Vermont Soap’s Fruit & Veggie Wash For the past hundred years or so we have bombarded ourselves with new chemical combinations on our food, now it’s time to get them clean again. Apply directly to foods and rinse. Apply to a brush — scrub and rinse. Add to a container of water for root crops and larger volumes. Add just enough Produce Magic to the water to work up a hint of foam. www.vermontsoap.com