Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable
brush to scrub them gently, especially for vegetables with firm skin like cucumbers or potatoes.
Washing with Water
Create a solution with one part vinegar to three parts of water. Soak
the vegetables in this solution for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Soaking in Vinegar Solution
Peeling removes a significant portion of pesticides, especially for
vegetables with skins or outer layers that can be easily removed. However, keep in mind that
some nutrients might be lost.
Peeling
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water. Soak the
vegetables for 15 minutes, then rinse well with water.
Using Baking Soda
Briefly blanching vegetables in boiling water for 1-2 minutes after a
pre-wash can help remove pesticides. Transfer to cold water, then rinse thoroughly.
Blanching
Dissolve salt in water and soak the vegetables for about 15 minutes.
Rinse well with water afterward.
Using Salt Water
There are commercial vegetable washes available that are specifically
designed to remove pesticides. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.