How to Remove Pesticides on Blueberries
When you purchase fresh blueberries -- unless they are organic -- you’re also getting the insect-killing pesticides that have been applied to them. Bottled or distilled water is recommended for washing fresh produce because contaminants have been removed during the purification process. However, cold, running tap water works just as well for removing contaminants from your fresh blueberries. Water washes are also as effective as commercially produced washes, according to research by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Maine. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Pick out and discard any crushed, damaged or rotten blueberries. This will prevent spoilage of the rest of the package.
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Wash your hands well with soap and hot water.
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Place the blueberries gently into a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water for several minutes.
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Pour the blueberries into a large bowl of distilled or bottled water. Allow them to soak for two minutes. If you don’t have distilled or bottled water, soak in cold, potable tap water.
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Drain the berries well in a colander.
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Pat the blueberries dry gently with paper towels.
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Tips & Warnings
Refrigerate the remaining berries in a covered plastic container for up to three days. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them. This will prevent the skins from degrading prematurely.
The best way to protect your family from food-borne illnesses and pesticides is to wash fresh vegetables and fruits before you serve them.
Avoid pesticides altogether by purchasing organic produce.
Don’t use harsh soaps or detergents on fresh blueberries.
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