A super quick guide to show you how to wash vegetables to remove as many pesticides from them as possible.

There are a few different versions of a keto diet out there but the one promoted on ABC Keto aims at health and nutrition. You probably know that to optimize health and ensure you get most of the required nutrients, you need to eat a lot of vegetables. Have you ever heard about the Dr Berg’s recommended 7 cups of vegetables a day? I bet you have.

Most of us unfortunately neither grow their own veggies nor buy organic stuff only. Sometimes it’s because of the price of organic products. Other times it’s simply more convenient to grab a pack of raw spinach or arugula in a nearby supermarket. And that’s OK.

Yes, it’s true that veggies from a supermarket may have less vitamins, minerals and be less nutritious because of the pesticides. However, they are still better than no veggies at all. They may even be quite OK if you take a few simple steps to minimize the damage and wash off most of the pesticides and dirt from them.

In this quick guide I will show you how to properly wash vegetables to remove pesticides from them. I’m not saying your supermarket veggies will become organic but you will at least take a few steps to make them healthier. And what counts the most on your keto diet journey are these simple small steps you take every time you eat.

Preparation & Stuff You Need

Removing pesticides from your vegetables is no rocket science and will take you not more than 10-15 minutes. Here is what you need:

• Two large (preferably stainless steel) stockpots
  TIP: You can also do with just one pot but I recommend two for greater convenience. You will be using this stuff probably every day so make sure you get good-quality pots and use them only for that purpose.
• A large strainer or colander
  TIP: The bigger the more convenient it will be for you to drain your vegetables. I also recommend using only stainless steel options and using them only for this purpose.
• A few liters of tap water
• About 2 tablespoons of citric acid per 8 qt (7.5 l)
  TIP: This is a contractual amount. You can add more or less and it will still be OK.
• About 2 tablespoons of baking soda per 8 qt (7.5 l)
  TIP: This is a contractual amount. You can add more or less and it will still be OK.
• Paper towel
  TIP: Of course, you can wait until your veggies dry up in the strainer but if you are pressed for time, paper towels will help you speed up the process. 
  
• … and your veggies. You can wash any type of veggies you want. I usually use this method for any leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts and more.

The amounts above are suitable for about 200 g of leafy green veggies (which have a lot of volume). Basically, these amounts are for as many veggies as you can fit into one pot.

Step By Step Instructions On How To Wash Vegetables To Remove Pesticides

The whole process will not take you more than 10-15 minutes. Here is what you need to do:

1. Fill about 3/4 of the first pot with cool tap water and add citric acid. Mix until citric acid dissolves.
   
2. Put your vegetables into the pot for about 5 minutes.
   
3. Remove the vegetables from the pot and put them in the strainer/colander. Rinse them with tap water.
   
4. Fill about 3/4 of the second pot with cool tap water and baking soda. Mix until baking soda dissolves.
   
5. Put your vegetables into the pot for another 5 minutes.
   
6. Remove the vegetables from the pot and put them in the strainer or colander. Rinse them with tap water again.
7. Spread the paper towel on the table and put your freshly-washed vegetables on it.
   
8. Cover the veggies with another layer of paper tower to help them dry up more quickly.
   
9. Your veggies will be ready to eat within a few minutes. You can now eat them or prepare delicious salads from them.

Share This Guide If You Like It

All the content on ABC Keto is free but I need you yo help me spread the positive keto message and help more people take wise dietary decisions. If you like this guide, please share it with your friends and family so that they also learn how to properly wash vegetables and can take one extra step towards a healthier life.

Do you like this guide? Was it helpful? Did you learn something new? Do you want to add something to it? Feel free to leave me your comments or contact me directly.