As the saying goes, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Since this phrase appeared, apples have become a daily fruit for many people. Indeed, statistics show that apples are the best-selling fruit. However, even a nutritious fruit like apples is not immune to pesticide residues. How can you wash them thoroughly?
Should you peel an apple before eating it?
Many people believe that apples have a lot of pesticide residues, so they should be peeled before eating. However, the apple peel contains many bioactive substances, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and octacosanol. These active substances can inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme that causes high blood pressure, helping to prevent chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, and reducing their incidence rate.
Foreign research also shows that apple peels have stronger antioxidant properties than the flesh, and the antioxidant effect of apple peels is higher than that of other fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant capacity of the peel of a regular-sized apple is equivalent to 800 milligrams of vitamin C. Octacosanol in the apple peel also has anti-fatigue and physical strength-enhancing effects.
From this, it can be seen that it is better not to peel the apple. If you don't peel it, how can you completely wash off the pesticide residues?
Method 1: Scrubbing
After wetting the apple with water, put a little salt on its surface, then hold the apple with both hands and rub it gently back and forth. The dirt on the surface will be cleaned off quickly. Then, rinse it with water, and it's ready to be eaten safely. Experts explain that the principle of this method is that the granules of salt increase friction, and salt itself is very clean.
Method 2: Starch Wash
Prepare a small basin, put some starch in it, and then wash the apple. This method is also suitable for washing pears, grapes, etc., and it prevents the fruit's surface from changing color. It is particularly useful for washing grapes because grapes are difficult to clean, and scrubbing them too hard can damage their original state.
Method 3: Toothpaste Wash
Apply toothpaste to the apple's surface as a cleanser. This method also works very well. Washing the apple with hot water is also a great way to easily remove preservatives and other substances from its surface.
Method 4: Fruit Wash Solution
It is best to buy a special fruit wash solution from a supermarket. Experts remind not to use dishwashing detergents of questionable quality, because poor-quality detergents may not only fail to clean properly but could also contain chemicals harmful to your health.