As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Since this phrase emerged, apples have become a daily fruit for many people. Indeed, statistics show that apples are the best-selling fruit. However, even a nutritionally rich fruit like apples is not immune to pesticide residue. How can you wash apples thoroughly to get them clean?
Should you peel an apple before eating it?
Many people believe that apples contain a lot of pesticide residue, so they should be peeled before eating. However, apple peels contain many bioactive substances, such as phenols, flavonoids, and octacosanol. These active substances can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, which causes high blood pressure, and help prevent chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, reducing their incidence rates.
Foreign research also indicates 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 mg of vitamin C. Octacosanol in apple peels also has anti-fatigue and strength-enhancing effects.
What nutrients are found in apple peels?
Vitamins: Researchers from the University of Illinois, USA, state that apple peels are rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, helps maintain normal vision and bone growth and development. Vitamin C promotes wound healing and enhances the body's immune function.
Minerals: Researchers at the University of Illinois believe that apple peels are rich in minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and folic acid. Eating apple peels also helps the body effectively absorb these minerals.
Among these, calcium and phosphorus make teeth and bones stronger, potassium enhances heart and digestive functions, and iron is essential for meeting the needs of normal red blood cell production, preventing anemia, and maintaining good health.
Dietary Fiber: About 2/3 of the dietary fiber in an apple is found in the peel. Consuming adequate dietary fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent constipation.
From this, it seems it's better not to peel the apple.
If you don't peel the apple, how can you wash off the pesticide residue completely?
Method 1: Scrubbing
After wetting the apple with water, put a little salt on its surface, then gently rub it back and forth with your hands. The surface dirt will be cleaned off quickly. Then, rinse it with water, and it's ready to be eaten safely. Experts explain that the principle behind this method is that the granular state of salt increases friction, and salt itself is very clean.
Method 2: Starch Wash
Prepare a small basin with some starch and wash the apple with it. This method is also suitable for washing pears, grapes, and other fruits, and it won't easily discolor the fruit's surface. It's particularly effective for washing grapes, as 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 works very well. Washing the apple with hot water is also a great way, as it easily removes preservatives and other substances from the apple's skin.
Method 4: Fruit Wash
It is best to buy a special fruit wash from the 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.