Top 12 High–Pesticide Residue Foods + Natural Cleaning Methods

According to the EWG - Environmental Working Group, they have compiled data from both the USDA and the FDA regarding the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residue remaining. Below is a list of the top 12 produce with the highest pesticide residue content. #1 being the highest amount of pesticide residue.

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale/ Collard Greens

4. Peaches

5. Pears

6. Nectarines

7. Apples

8. Grapes

9. Bell Peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green Beans

Recommended to buy Strawberries, Spinach and Kale ORGANIC

Consider strawberries, when washing the skin of the strawberry to remove any pesticides, this will not help due to the fact the skin has already absorbed the pesticides through the skin, into the fruit. The recommendation would be to buy Strawberries, Spinach, Kale and Blueberries from ORGANIC sources.

The skin of Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Apples, Grapes, Cherries, Blueberries, and Green Beans can be thoroughly cleaned to remove any pesticide residue. Since the skin of these items are able to protect the pesticides from absorbing into the produce, it is not as essential to buy from organic sources. It is only recommended. I will discuss below some cleaning methods to thoroughly clean produce at home.

Cleaning Methods - Removing Pesticide Residue

1. Baking Soda / Vinegar Method

2. Salt Method

3. Lemon Juice Method

Baking Soda / Vinegar Method:

Needed:

- 1 Strainer

- 1 Bowl Larger than Strainer

- 4 Cups Cold Water

- 1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

- One Tablespoon Baking Soda

- Paper Towel

Steps:

- Place the strainer in the bowl, and place the produce in the strainer

- Pour water, then pour vinegar, and next sprinkle the baking soda

- Stir the produce in the mixture, the baking soda will neutralize any acidic pesticides, and kill any bacteria/ Fungus/ Bugs.

- Let soak for 5 minutes

- Rinse with water thoroughly

- Pat dry with paper towel

Salt Method:

Needed:

- Salt

- Water

Steps:

- Take 1 part salt to 9 parts water (1 : 9 ratio)

- Mix the mixture to produce a salty water bath

- Place produce in the mixture for 20 - 30 minutes

- This will remove pesticides and any bugs.

Lemon Juice Method:

Needed:

- 1 Colander / Strainer

- 1 Spray Bottle

- 1 Lemon (1 Tbsp of lemon juice)

- 2 Tbsp Baking Soda

- I cup water

Steps:

- Mix a bowl with lemon juice, add baking soda and stir

- Add one cup of water and whisk together

- Pour mixture into a spray bottle

- Set your produce into the Colander and spray mixture to coat the outside of each piece

- Let soak for 5 - 10 minutes, lemon juice helps to kill any microorganisms, and remove most pesticide residue.

- Rinse with water thoroughly