How clean are the strawberries we bring home? Have we ever wondered what traces of pesticides they carry with them?
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits around the world, known for their sweet taste and rich in vitamins and minerals. Despite their many benefits, strawberries are often burdened with pesticides, which are used during their production.
How you can by using three simple ingredients – baking soda, salt and vinegar – we effectively remove pesticides from strawberries.
Why is it important to remove pesticides?
Pesticides are used to fight pests and diseases in agriculture, but their residues on fruits and vegetables can be health risk.
Strawberry Pesticide Cleaners: Baking Soda, Salt, and Vinegar
Each of these ingredients has specific properties that help remove pesticides and other impurities from the surface of the berries.
bicarbonate of soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive and alkaline agent that effectively removes dirt and pesticides from the surface of fruit. Its alkaline nature helps to neutralize the acids often present in pesticide residues, making their removal easier.
Salt
Salt acts as a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn debris from strawberries. Salt crystals can be used to gently rub the surface of the berries, which increases the effectiveness of cleaning.
Vinegar
Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is known for its antibacterial and disinfectant properties. The acids in the vinegar can break down the waxy and fatty layers on the surface of the berries, making it easier to remove pesticides.
Cleaning process
Cleaning strawberries using baking soda, salt, and vinegar is a simple process.
1. Preparation of the solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar in 4 cups of water. Stir well until the baking soda and salt are completely dissolved.
2. Soaking strawberries: Immerse the strawberries in the prepared solution and let them soak for about 15 minutes. The solution will help break down and remove pesticides from the berries.
3. Thorough rinsing: After soaking, rinse the strawberries thoroughly under running water to remove all residual solution and dissolved pesticides.
4. Drying: Gently wipe the berries with a clean tea towel or allow them to air dry naturally.
