Most fruits and vegetables from large-scale farming are laced with pesticides. Simply washing with water is not sufficient to remove them, as these products are not water soluble. However, there are effective ways to prevent these chemicals from entering the body.
Natural products also pose a threat. They may contain bacteria or other parasites that pose a potential threat to our health. We can effectively get rid of them in one of the following ways.
One of the most effective preparations that are commonly available is vinegar. It removes harmful bacteria, neutralises odours and helps maintain overall hygiene. The type of product should be taken into account. The lowest quality vinegar is alcohol vinegar. It is particularly suitable for cleaning. On the other hand, it is best to choose apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, etc.
Salt and vinegar solution
For truly effective products, we don’t have to go far. For example, ordinary sea salt with vinegar can deal with unpleasant substances.
Ingredients:
- Water – medium bowl
- Vinegar – glass
- Salt – 3 tablespoons
Add the vinegar and salt to the bowl of water. Stir everything thoroughly.
Dip selected pieces of fruit or vegetables into the resulting solution and leave them submerged for about 10 minutes.
Acid and alkaline bath
This two-phase bath based on opposites consists in the holistic elimination of all the risks that pesticides entail. In addition to vinegar, we will also need alkaline water.
The first step involves immersing the piece of fruit or vegetable in a solution of water and vinegar in a ratio of half a glass of vinegar per litre of water. Vinegar can also be substituted for 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid in this case. Leave the selected fruit or vegetables in this acidic solution for about 3 minutes. After staying in this bath, the bacteria will be removed.
In the second step, we immerse the selected fruit (or vegetable) in an alkaline solution created by adding a large spoonful to a litre of water. Leave them there, as with the acid bath, for about 3 minutes. This will rid the fruit (vegetables) of pesticides.
Finish the two-phase bath by rinsing under a stream of clean water.
Vinegar, baking soda and grapefruit seeds
For the last solution we will need the following ingredients:
- Water – glass
- Vegar – jar
- Grapefruit seed extract – approx. 20 drops
Mix everything together and pour into a container with a spray bottle. Then spray on fruit or vegetables and leave for about an hour. Rinse the solution with water afterwards.