Tag: Safe produce

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 analysis, 96% of the produce samples on their 'Dirty Dozen' list contained detectable pesticide residues, making these vegetables have the most chemicals in their conventional form. Navigating the grocery store can be a challenge when seeking the healthiest options, but understanding which produce has a higher pesticide load is a crucial first step for informed consumers.

Approximately 75% of dried apricots, a fruit often treated similarly to table grapes, are produced in Turkey, which relies on sulfur dioxide treatment for preservation. This chemical is used to prevent spoilage and browning, but a pungent, sulfurous odor on fresh grapes often signals its presence. Fortunately, simple kitchen ingredients and proper washing techniques can help mitigate this chemical residue and ensure your grapes are clean and safe for consumption.

Studies show that simply rinsing grapes with tap water is not always sufficient to remove all surface pesticide residues. This comprehensive guide provides actionable, proven home remedies to help you thoroughly clean your grapes and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

According to food safety experts at the FDA and CDC, rinsing produce with plain, cold running water is the most recommended and effective cleaning method for most fresh fruits and vegetables. This brings to question, is it good to wash vegetables with vinegar as a more powerful alternative?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tens of millions of people get sick from contaminated food each year, and contaminated produce is often a source. Learning the healthiest way to clean fruit is a simple yet crucial step to minimize your risk of foodborne illness and enjoy your food with confidence.

According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a baking soda solution was found to be more effective than plain water at removing certain pesticide residues from apples. But for those wondering how long should you soak apples in vinegar water, the answer depends on the desired level of cleanliness and the vinegar-to-water ratio used.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 2015 study found that washing non-organic strawberries under tap water removed as little as 19 percent of chemical residue. This startling statistic highlights a common concern among consumers: is standard washing truly sufficient for non-organic fruits and vegetables?

According to the USDA’s Pesticide Data Program, 99.8% of food samples had residues well below the EPA’s safety levels, suggesting that many non-organic fruits are safe to consume when properly handled. This guide helps you identify the non-organic fruits you can feel confident buying while still prioritizing your health.

According to research, while rinsing with plain water can significantly reduce surface contaminants, soaking fruits in a vinegar solution can be a slightly more effective method for removing certain pesticides. This kitchen hack has gained popularity, but the true effectiveness of soaking fruit in vinegar to remove pesticides depends on several key factors, including the type of fruit and the specific chemical involved.

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 'Clean Fifteen' list for 2025, many conventionally grown items like sweet corn and avocados contain very low pesticide residues, making them low-risk choices. Understanding what vegetables don't cause toxicity is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy diet, as some common vegetables can be harmful if not prepared correctly.