The Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen & Produce Wash
The "Environmental Working Group" EWG produces a list called the Dirty Dozen, which contains the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residues. Their recommendation is to purchase organic versions of these fruits and vegetables.
EWG’s 2018 Dirty Dozen, plus new additions:
• Apples • Strawberries • Grapes / Cherries
• Celery • Peaches / Pears • Spinach
• Bell peppers • Imported Nectarines • Cucumbers
• Tomatoes • Imported Snap Peas • Potatoes
• Domestic Blueberries • Hot Peppers
As you can see, the following thick-skinned fruits are not included on that list:
The Clean Fifteen, plus additions.
• Avocados • Pineapples • Sweet Corn in Husk
• Cabbages / Cauliflower / Broccoli • Onions • Frozen Peas
• Asparagus • Eggplant • Papayas
• Kiwifruits • Grapefruit • Mangoes
• Cantaloupes / Honeydew • Bananas • Oranges
How to Clean the Dirty Dozen Without Having to Buy Organic
Many people can not afford the cost of Organic produce and/or it may not be available at their local grocer. There is a way to help avoid the high cost of Organic produce, by performing a simple and effective chemical removal process. This has been proven to remove fruit waxes, pesticides, parasites and bacteria from the fruits and vegetable soak.
NOTE: This has NO effect on GMO products. You can NOT "clean" GMO produce. ALWAYS avoid GMO produce.
How to Spot GMO Produce: Each fruit has a four of five digit Price Look-Up (or PLU) code that is given based on how it was grown. Produce that is conventionally grown has a four-digit PLU code and generally begins with a three or four. Organically grown produce has a five-digit code and begins with a nine (9). Genetically modified produce has a five digit code as well, but the first number is an eight (8).
For example, the PLU for a conventionally grown banana would be 4011; an organic banana is coded 94011; and a genetically modified banana is 84011.
AVOID THE 11 GMO CROPS: In North America, only eleven crops from GMO seed are available commercially They are sugar beets, soy, canola, cotton, corn, zucchini, yellow summer squash, potatoes, alfalfa (animal feed only), papaya (Hawaiian only) and apples (Arctic brand only).
How to Prepare Your Produce Wash
5 Gallon Plastic Bucket with Lid Purchase from Home Depot or Similar type of store.
3 Gallons of Distilled Water From any Local Grocer and the cheapest brand
1 Cup Kosher Salt The least expensive brand
1/2 Cup Baking Soda The least expensive brand
1 Cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide The least expensive brand
1 Cup White Distilled Vinegar The least expensive brand
1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar (w/Mother) The least expensive brand
1. First, add the water to the 5 Gallon Bucket.
2. Completely dissolve the salt, then the Baking Soda in the water.
3. Mix in the Hydrogen Peroxide. (Avoid splashing onto skin and in eyes)
4. SLOWLY, blend in the vinegars. Note: these could foam up if added too fast.
This is good for 1 Month.
1. Simply dump all of your fruits and vegetables in the bucket, let soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove to the sink or counter to air dry. When dry, put away as usual.
This process will extend the life of your produce and make it ready to eat.
Put the lid on the bucket. Put it away until the next time you produce shop and repeat the above steps.
NOTES:
1. If you don't use much produce, make half of the batch in a smaller bucket.
2. You can put some of the solution into a spray bottle to use when you only have an item or a few. Just spray well and let air dry. Rinse and use.
3. Options: add some unscented Castile Soap and Orange Oil.