Traditional Baking Soda Proven to Be Highly Effective in Removing Pesticide Residues

Baking soda is effective at removing many pesticides from fruits and vegetables, offering an affordable cleaning option. Do you diligently scrub your produce? For some, the thought of scrubbing fresh fruits and vegetables for hours after a grocery run is daunting. 

A quick rinse might suffice, especially if you purchase organic produce. However, if your produce is treated with pesticides, more thorough cleaning is necessary.

Have you considered using baking soda?

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, baking soda can indeed eliminate pesticides from produce. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts demonstrated this by washing gala apples with baking soda. They applied thiabendazole and phosmet to the apples, noting that thiabendazole can penetrate the skin, while phosmet is a commonly used pesticide.

There are three methods to eliminate pesticides from fresh produce:

1. Rinsing with tap water
2. Using a 1% baking soda and water solution
3. Applying a bleach solution approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency

The most effective method for pesticide removal

Neither tap water nor the bleach solution could completely remove pesticides, even after scrubbing for two minutes. However, baking soda proved to be highly effective, eliminating the toxins in less time.

A baking soda solution can remove up to 80% of thiabendazole from apples after 12 to 15 minutes of soaking. It was even more successful in removing phosmet, with a 96% elimination rate.

Thiabendazole and phosmet differ significantly. Thiabendazole penetrates up to 80 micrometers into the apple, while phosmet reaches about 20 micrometers.

DIY methods for pesticide removal

A common DIY method involves mixing baking soda with water, vinegar, or lemon juice in a spray bottle. This mixture is simple to use; just remember to rinse the produce before consumption.

Foods high in pesticides

The Environmental Working Group has published the Dirty Dozen list, which includes foods with the highest pesticide levels:

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Kale
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Pears
• Tomatoes
• Celery
• Potatoes

Conversely, the Clean Fifteen list comprises:

• Avocados
• Sweet corn
• Pineapple
• Onions
• Papaya
• Sweet peas (frozen)
• Eggplants
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Cantaloupes
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Cabbage
• Honeydew melon
• Kiwi

In conclusion, purchasing organic produce and thoroughly cleaning your food is essential. Baking soda, being both affordable and efficient, is a must-have item in your kitchen.