When we bring raw fruits and vegetables, we may bring some pesticides, dirt and insects with these food items. Washing them thoroughly is the only option, but today in this post, we will be checking on 6 simple ways to clean your raw food items.
Those pesticides, dirt and insects could cause harm to our body. World Resources Institute says that, thee are varieties of bacteria are found in the pesticides which can directly attack our immune system. Penn State University published a research paper titled, Potential Health Effects of Pesticides to highlight the fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, etc. Diseases like, ADHD, cancer, leukaemia and life-threatening gut health can put a man’s life at risk. So without further ado, lets see the simple tricks to improve the quality of your life.
- Peeling: Peeling is a wonderful method to remove toxicity from your raw fruits and vegetables. I came across many brands or stores, where they apply candle wax on the apple skin to make it look shinier. Peeling and rinsing the apple under the running water could be a lifesaver. It’s easy and not time consuming.
- Washing thoroughly with water: Leafy vegetables should always be rinsed under the running water to remove all the dirt from the roots. Even the root vegetables like, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, ginger, taro, etc. should be washed in clean water thoroughly. I personally dip the ginger in a bowl of fresh water for 10 mins and then I rub the ginger to flush out the excess soil.
- Add vinegar in water to wash: Plain vinegar is a multi-purpose at home. Specially, for cleaning purpose or you want to get rid off stinky smell, then vinegar will always come to your rescue. Add a teaspoon of vinegar in plain water and keep the fruits and vegetables for few minutes. You will see the dirt or tiny insects in that water, once you remove the fruits/vegetables.
- Blanching: Its always suggested that, blanching the vegetables for few minutes before eating is a good practice. This will flush out the impurities and will take less time to prepare your food. If you are blanching vegetables like, broccoli, French beans, carrots or some leafy vegetables, blanching also retains it’s dark green colour.
- Wash with salt water: You may also add salt in water to wash your raw food items. Salt contains sodium chloride and it’s an easy cleansing agent which is available in every household. Some people think, raw food items may absorb more salt while cleansing, but it’s a myth.
- Wash with baking soda: Baking soda is another cheap and easy cleaning agent you must keep in your kitchen. You can mix a teaspoon of baking soda in plain water, mix well and dip your raw food items for 10 minutes. You may see some dirt or insects are floating in water once you strain your fruits and vegetables out.
Mindful eating is highly recommended for a healthy life, but keeping your raw food safe and pesticides free is also very much required. These aren’t very daunting steps. But these simple steps will absolutely change the quality of your life and will keep your gut and immune system pristine.