It is generally known that the food of fruit and vegetables is good for your health. A Analysis by Harvard In 2021 it says that the consumption of at least two portions of the former and three portions of the latter per day – in connection with proteins, whole grains and legumes – provides the basics for a balanced diet. Although everyone is different, this is generally a good advice that you can follow.
But there is a catch: Every year the environmental work group publishes a list of 12 foods with the most pestic residues. The fact that it is known as a dirty dozen can possibly be unsafe to eat if they are not washed properly. For 2025, the list includes strawberries, peaches, grapes, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, spinach, potatoes, blueberries and leaf green such as kale, Kollard and mustard.
So what does that mean for you? If possible, buy organic products to limit your exposure to pesticides. If the purchase of organic purchase is not an option Dr. Bryan Quoc LeThe doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, his doctorate in food science, has some tips and tricks on how to approach the dirty dozen.
“While commercial products wash, studies show that water is effective if used correctly,” said Dr. Le. He added that leafy vegetables should be rinsed under cold water and thoroughly rubbed by hand; Berries and soft -skinned fruits such as grapes and cherries should be “gently excited” under cold water. Apples and pears can either be rinsed or soaked; Peaches and nectarine can be rinsed under cold water or in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar up to 3 parts of water). And root plants require scrubbing.
The Council of Dr. LE is easy to follow when you bring your pro-recognized tools to your home. Whether Vegetable brush or LettuceWashing the dirty dozen makes these Amazon finds much easier.
Pro-approved tools for washing products
Oxo Good Grips vegetable brush
Amazon
Dr. LE always uses this brush when washing root vegetables. With “fixed nylon bristles that effectively remove dirt from columns without damaging the products”, he finds a cost -effective solution to ensure that his potatoes are as pesticide as possible. Over 15,400 Amazon buyers agree with A letter That they use their to “go to” carrots, sweet potatoes, even ginger – and it is great to maintain after several washes “. They added that they didn’t know that they needed it, but now they are using it “constantly”.
Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner
Amazon
Yes, you can use a salad spinner to wash leafy vegetables, but it is also editor Kristin Montemarano’s favorite method to wash berries. With a bowl and a built -in colander it is easy to go to Dr. To react to Le’s advice to gently upgrade berries and thin -skinned fruits under water. Simply fill the bowl with water, move the fruits around with your hand and lift the colander so that you let it dry when you are done. Dr. Le added that all products should be dried thoroughly with a towel before they are kept so as not to spoil.
Oxo Good Grips Greensaver produce keeper
Amazon
Dr. Le also recommended Oxos Greensaver to extend the keeper to extend the lifespan of products after washing, and found that he has an “reinforced carbon filter that catches and absorbs ethylene gas, and an increased colander that is from the container walls to promote the air flow from all sides.” In addition, this practical food container is available in three sizes (5 litersPresent 4.3 liters And 1.6 liters), so that you can easily store everything from tiny, round blueberries to long, thin asparagus stems.
