Green and Clean: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wash Vegetables
Article written 7/01/2018, updated 17/09/2023.
While every expert in the field, including nutritionists, health coaches, and functional medicine doctors, advocates consuming exclusively organic produce in well-rehearsed unison, it may not be the answer in our modern world, where money and greed reign masters.
Small farmers, it seems, do care for their land. It is, after all, their living, their choice, the fruit of their sweat and tears, and also their pride.
On the other hand, industrial farms, ultra-processed food manufacturers and shareholder-run supermarkets, only care about profit. Some of the land they "manage" could be as big as hundreds of acres, especially, in the U.S., where it takes an aeroplane to spray pesticides and make rain by releasing hydrogen (the nice stuff), sodium chloride or potassium chloride (the not so bad stuff), or even silver iodide (the not great stuff) in the sky. A process called "cloud seeding".[1] Here I am not talking about chem trailing as this is something else altogether.
What is cloud seeding?
Particles made of silver iodide and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are dispersed into the air or dropped from planes into clouds. The silver iodide acts as a nucleus to which moisture can adhere until it becomes heavy enough and falls as raindrops, or snow if the temperatures are cold enough.
Considering that silver is one of the most toxic heavy metals, especially, to microorganisms and to fish,[2] it is assumed it represents no danger to humans, even though, it appears, little research has been done on the long-term exposure and effects on human health and wildlife. Yet, the use of silver for cloud seeding was revealed over 50 years ago. The other issue is the other organic compounds that are added to the soup of chemicals, which could potentially represent a danger to our health.
Ironically, we should be safe from artificial rain in the UK. Famers, on this side of the ocean, are dealing with the complete opposite: fungal and bacterial overgrowth occurring from constant dampness and years of mild weather. It is without any surprise that farmers on both sides have to find a remedy to help increase crop yield and live from the land.
It is estimated that there are about 900 different pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. used in conventional farming, according to The Organic & Non-GMO Report, March 2017.[3]
An apple, for example, can be sprayed with dozens of chemicals.
To remove these, it takes a lot more than scrubbing the fruit on your t-shirt. You may, in fact, wipe visible dust and dirt but it seems peeling may be the only solution to the problem, as many chemicals are able to pass through the skin. Some traces can also insert the plant DNA, induce oxidative DNA damage and result in the reduction of chlorophyll and protein contents, accompanied by decreased photosynthetic efficiency of plants.
Would this mean that we consume traces of pesticides with every bite?
Maybe this is enough of an incentive to consider organic produce and listen to the combined voices of holistic health experts...
Debunking — or exposing — facts about the pesticides used in organic farming.
With recent exposure to the media, pesticides are a growing concern and worrying many people.
It is with good reasons indeed, considering that we are exposed to residues of hundreds of toxic compounds every single time we bite into an apple or another fruit or vegetable.
It is without much surprise to learn that today almost no food is 100% free of pesticides. What is not obvious is that even organic produce may contain some residues and not only from cross-contamination from nearby fields.
"Most people assume that no pesticides are used in organic farming, but, in fact, a limited range of pesticides are permitted. However, it is important to note that organic farming takes a completely different approach to the use of pesticides compared to conventional farming.
“Most of the pesticides approved for use in organic agriculture are from natural origins, such as beeswax, plant oils and pheromones. Pesticides are also not routinely applied. Permission has to be sought for their use and will only be granted if it can be proven that all other alternatives have been unable to contain the problem. As a result, they are used in much lower quantities. In the EU there are currently 491 approved active substances [ EU Pesticides Database] approved for use as pesticides, of these only 28 are approved for use in organic agriculture," explains PAN UK.
“In 2015, over 17,800 tonnes of pesticides were used on British farms to kill weeds, insects and control crop diseases. Many pesticides don’t just kill the target pest. They can affect other wildlife and the environment by either direct poisoning, contaminating water courses or disrupting ecosystems." echoes the Soil Association, adding: "Many people don’t realise almost 300 pesticides can be routinely used in non-organic farming and these are often present in non-organic food despite washing and cooking. [...] Organic farmers are permitted to use just 20 pesticides, derived from natural ingredients including citronella and clove oil, but only under very restricted circumstances."
This sounds great indeed.
Making us much safer from eating organically grown fruits and vegetables but it could be any further from the real truth.
Out of the 900 (US) and 490 (EU) approved pesticides, which include, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc., 35 (not 20 as claimed by the Soil Association) may be used by Organic Farming (according to the Pesticide Action Network, 2017 and the Organic Soil Association, 2017). It is claimed that they are usually from natural sources; however, 3 are still acutely toxic and include pyrethrins and copper.
There is no data available today about the trace level of the soup of chemicals sprayed on organic food; however, residues are found in about 60% of the total production of conventional farming.
It is claimed by these associations that if all farms were applying organic farming, “the amount of pesticides being sprayed would decrease by 98%”.
A great move, but personally, it is not good enough, especially for the bees.
This is why I trust Biodynamic farming (Demeter certified) above all else.
Farmers work with nature, banning completely anything that could have an impact on the environment (and the bees), which includes herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, fungicides (and hormones, antibiotics, etc. for animals).
“Biodynamic farms work with nature, not against it.”
You may not be aware of it but the greatest contaminant used in farming is copper sulphate. The problem with that is that copper sulphate is recommended in organic farming. It is used as a fungicide, antibacterial, insecticide, and root killer.
Copper compounds are not entirely biodegradable and can damage the soil, or ‘kill’ it, if not handled correctly. They exhibit bio-accumulative properties, potentially leading to the accumulation of toxic levels in the soil. Numerous organic wine growers in the United States and Europe (including France) have willingly forfeited their organic status to steer clear of copper sulfate fungicides. Their primary concern? The alarming buildup of this chemical in their precious soil.
Copper compounds thus pose great dangers to insects like bees, and wildlife. According to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), copper sulfate “is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, may cause cancer, is harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye damage, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.”
So, here again, occupational exposure is a real concern.
In January 2018, a report by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), co-commissioned by the French Institute for Organic Farming (ITAB), concluded: “Excessive concentrations of copper have adverse effects on the growth and development of most plants, microbial communities and soil fauna,” recommending in a scientific report that the government should intervene to “reduce the use of copper for the protection of biological uses.”
A few months later, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) made a significant declaration about copper compounds that raised alarms regarding public health and the environment. Extensive research has unequivocally demonstrated that, unlike many biological pesticides that target specific organisms, copper sulfate exhibits a broader spectrum of effects, affecting not only fungus cells but potentially harming humans and beneficial insects.
Exposure to copper sulfate has been linked to skin and eye irritation. In cases of ingestion, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including a metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, upper abdominal pain, and tissue damage.
This hazardous substance is not limited to human impact; it also poses a grave threat to honeybees. A study conducted in Brazil revealed extreme toxicity to bees due to copper sulfate, aimed at providing essential heavy metal nutrients.
The European Chemicals Agency has classified copper sulfate as a carcinogen, with research associating it, in particular, with kidney cancer.
As a recognised carcinogen, copper sulfate may become subject to stringent EU regulations, potentially restricting its use among workers, and possibly leading to its outright ban. The concerns surrounding copper compounds raise important questions about their continued use and the need for comprehensive safety evaluations.
To Wash or Not to Wash (fruits and vegetables)
Washing fruits and vegetables is important to prevent foodborne illnesses and reduce your exposure to pesticides.
It appears, however, that most people rinse their produce under cold, running water. Although this may not seem to be efficient enough, it may help remove up to a dozen known pesticides, according to Scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Some people use bleach or bleach-based tablets, which, to me, kills the whole point.
Considering that there is chlorine (bleach) in tap water, it is, in fact, proven to be as efficient as using plain tap water. Hotels and restaurants, and producers of salad packs, used bleach too (dozens of times stronger than your local swimming pool).
Some people add salt to a bath (10 g per 100 ml), soaking the fruits and vegetables for a while.
Sure, I do too. I soak fruits and vegetables; a pure automatism. As soon as I get home, I take the fruits and vegetables out of their crates and fill the sink with water. However, I use sodium bicarbonate. But you can also use 100 ml of (any) vinegar and soak for 20 minutes, then rinse, and drain.
I have written "any" vinegar because it does not matter if you use organic apple cider vinegar with mother, plain white wine vinegar, or a cheaper option. The main compound of vinegar is alcohol (and lactic acid), and alcohol is also known to kill pathogenic microbes, and surprisingly, evaporates rather quickly, leaving no trace or smell (or taste). Research shows that it is, in fact, as effective as a salt solution.
Recent studies revealed that one of our kitchen little helpers is again a lot more than what we are already thankful for. Sodium bicarbonate is shown to be effective in removing most pesticides on the surface of a fruit or vegetable. It is not a miracle powder though. Sodium bicarbonate cannot wipe out the pesticides that have crossed the skin. Peeling is the only way to remove all residues; however, it is again missing the point as bioactive compounds, such as vitamins and antioxidants, are found right under the skin layer.[5]
Tip: dilute one levelled tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate in half a sink filled with cold, fresh tap water. Place the vegetables, or fruits, and let them soak for 15–20 minutes. Drain, rinse and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or kitchen paper. You can also use a salad spinner to spin dry salad leaves, green leafy vegetables and other vegetables and fruits.
It is not necessary to soak root vegetables, including potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes, and it is not required to store them in the fridge. They will also be peeled. You can brush them clean, if they’re delivered or sold with soil, and store them in a dark, cool place.
Mushrooms and berries should never be soaked. Simply, rinse berries under cold, running water using a sieve, immediately before eating them, and scrub the mushrooms with a soft vegetable brush. Exposing mushrooms and berries to water, will increase moisture and accelerate spoilage and mould.
DO NOT PANIC.
Washing vegetables should not be something that causes you stress. Nor where you buy your fruits and vegetables if you’re on a tight budget.
Eating your 5-a-day (fresh fruits and vegetables) is one of the best things you can do for your health, so do not let this article and media sensation lines scare you. This is not the point. It is to educate you so you can make conscious choices.
THE DIRTY DOZEN (most contaminated produce, buy DEMETER certified or Organic):
2018
Strawberries
Spinach
Nectarines
Apples
Peaches
Pears
Cherries
Grapes
Celery
Tomatoes
Sweet Bell Peppers
Potatoes
2023
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, collard & mustard greens
Peaches
Pears
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Bell & hot peppers
Cherries
Blueberries
Green beans
“More than 90 per cent of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides,” EWG’s report states.
THE CLEAN FIFTEEN (the least contaminated produce):
2018
Sweet corn (BUT mainly GMO in the U.S.)
Avocados
Pineapples
Cabbage
Onions
Peas
Papayas
Asparagus
Mangos
Aubergine
Honeydew Melon
Kiwi
Cantaloupe
Cauliflower
Grapefruit
2023
Avocados
Sweet corn (BUT mainly GMO in the U.S.)
Pineapples
Onions
Papayas
Peas (frozen)
Asparagus
Honeydew Melon
Kiwi
Cabbage
Mushrooms
Mangoes
Sweet Potatoes
Watermelon
Carrots
Main culprits:
Glyphosate (herbicides): manufactured by Nayer-owned Monsanto and used in Roundup, a toxic weed killer. This common herbicide has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption (read my Winter Edition Newsletter 2013).
Dicamba is also a very problematic herbicide because it can contaminate nearby ponds, streams and rivers, drinking water systems and nearby fields (even organic)
Organophosphates (Insecticides): insecticides commonly sprayed on produce. Chlorpyrifos, for example, is associated with damaging the developing brains of children.
A large body of evidence shows that exposure to pesticides contributes to an elevated rate of chronic diseases including:
Cancer and diabetes
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS
Birth defects and reproductive disorders
Asthma, COPD, and more
These are very real risks for those excessively exposed to pesticides (living near farms, and rarely eating organic produce).
Typically, the more severe cases arise from occupational exposure e.g., agricultural workers directly exposed to pesticides. It is, therefore, without surprise that there is a rebellion growing. Many lawsuits have been launched by workers exposed to mega doses daily, following the recrudescence of diseases and shortened lifespans in farmers and sprayers.
Pregnant women and children should keep their exposure to chemical residues to a minimum, including pesticides, and should eat a diet made exclusively of Demeter-certified or Organic produce.
Children are at higher risk for toxicity from pesticides and other residues than adults. This is because the developing brain is more susceptible to neurotoxins and the dose of pesticides per body weight is likely higher in children, and they also eat more fruits and vegetables.
Children whose mothers were exposed to high levels of pesticides have been found to have lower IQs compared to children with the lowest levels of pesticide exposure[6] and children exposed to pesticides are at an increased risk for a variety of chronic conditions, including learning and behavioural difficulties (including, ADHD).[7]
Sources:
1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3516090/The-drone-control-weather-Cloud-seeding-UAV-tested-California-hoped-increase-rainfall-15.html
2. Cooper, CF. Jolly, WC. (1970). Ecological effects of silver iodide and other weather modification agents: A review. Water Resources Research. 6 (1), pp. 88–98.
3. http://non-gmoreport.com/articles/debunking-alternate-facts-pesticides-organic/
4. http://www.pan-uk.org/faq-items/organic-fruit-vegetables-grown-without-pesticides/
5. Yang, T. Doherty, J. Bin Zhao, B. et al. (2017). Effectiveness of Commercial and Homemade Washing Agents in Removing Pesticide Residues on and in Apples. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 65 (44), pp. 9744–9752.