Are You Removing Pesticides from Fruit and Vegetables the Right Way?

When you bring fruit and vegetables home, you probably think peeling and washing them gets rid of all the bacteria, viruses and pesticides. Not so. Researchers have shown that when crops are often attacked by pests, farmers tend to use chemical fertilisers or spray pesticides shortly before harvest, which can seriously affect consumers' health. To cut down on the chemicals you take in every day, try the following tips.

1. Wash produce in 5% salt water.

2. Soak in hot water for 2 minutes before cooking

For some vegetables, such as cauliflower, celery and bean sprouts, soaking in hot water keeps chemical residues to a minimum.

3. Use sunlight

Sunlight helps break down pesticide residues. 5 minutes is the most effective time.

4. Soak in rice-washing water

The water left from rinsing rice helps neutralise the toxins in pesticides. Soaking fruit and vegetables in it for 5 to 10 minutes is a great way to protect your health at home.

5. Leave produce under running water

Leaving fruit and vegetables directly under a running tap for about 15 to 20 minutes is another method scientists recommend.

6. Peel off the skin

This works for produce such as cucumbers and carrots. Peeling removes 90% of the pesticides on the outside.

7. Use baking soda

That all-purpose kitchen staple, baking soda, can also help remove chemicals from produce. Just mix 4 spoonfuls of baking soda with 1.5 litres of water, then soak fruit for 15 minutes and vegetables for 5 minutes.

These methods can help protect your family's health, but in the end, keeping everyone healthy is up to you. Always buy food from trustworthy shops – don't chase a bargain and bring illness home.