Over the last few weeks, a disturbing number of reports have come out regarding the amount of pesticides found in popular produce most of us buy at the grocery store. And let’s be honest… how many of you just drop the fruit and produce into the countertop basket or drawer and forget to rinse it off? I know my hand is up.
This week, several outlets reported on just how dangerous this can be. For instance, Fox News reported that about 20 percent of all fruits and vegetables examined by Consumer Reports contained an “unhealthy dose of dangerous pesticides.” The report found that products such as blueberries, peppers, potatoes, and strawberries “had residues of a pesticide that hasn’t been allowed to be used on the vegetable in the U.S. for over a decade. Imported produce, especially some from Mexico, was particularly likely to carry risky pesticide residues.”
One solution is to buy more organic products (which you still want to clean), but that can run up the grocery bill rather significantly these days. Another solution is to clean your fruits and vegetables properly to ensure any residue from these pesticides is removed from the skin of the fruit and vegetables.
Why Cleaning Produce is Crucial
Yes, cleaning produce is essential. Even organically grown fruits and vegetables can accumulate bacteria, dirt, and insects during cultivation and transportation. Consider the numerous hands that might touch these items before they reach your kitchen, including those of other shoppers who are checking the fruit and vegetables at the store. Ensuring your produce is thoroughly washed is vital for health and safety.
Environmental factors also play a role in the cleanliness of produce. Rainwater can introduce various toxins and organisms depending on the geographical and environmental conditions of the area where the food was grown. These factors make it imperative to thoroughly wash your produce before consumption.
Traditional Hand Washing:
Traditionally, most of us clean our produce by simply running it under tap water and perhaps giving it a light scrub. While this might remove some surface dirt, it’s unlikely to thoroughly cleanse the produce from stubborn residues.
Ultrasonic Cleaning:
If you already own an ultrasonic cleaner, using it to clean your produce involves no additional cost and can be significantly more effective. The process involves placing the fruits and vegetables in a basket and immersing the basket in a tank filled with plain water. The cavitation in the tank creates microscopic bubbles that will implode upon impact, removing the residue from the product.
Still not a believer? As we had reported in a prior post, “Roots & Harvest” had reported in a study that when using an ultrasonic cleaner, it “removed 92.6% of dichlorvos insecticides (DDVP) and 94.6% of dimethoate insecticides. Additionally, fruits and vegetables were found to have 50% fewer levels of hormones and preservatives, and 94.5% less arsenic present after being washed with the ultrasonic cleaner.”
Need more help deciding on an ultrasonic cleaner? The team at Omegasonics can help. Our team members will work with you to find the right tank, settings, and cleaning solution for all your needs. For more information, give us a call at 888-989-5560.