We really believe in buying organic produce whenever possible. Pesticides are nasty chemicals that we would really prefer NOT to have floating around our bodies - and we try to avoid them for Wesley especially, since his tiny body is even more suspectible to the dangers of pesticide exposure. (Take a look at this article for some fairly recent and concerning info regarding pesticides)
That said, our budget doesn't allow us to buy 100% organic (and neither does the availability of organic produce in Peterborough), so I try to buy according to the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists - which list the produce most heavily-laden with pesticides and those which are ok to buy non-organic. You can click here to see the most current lists.
When I can't get organic, either because of cost or availability, I use the following wash (from Dr. Oz) to clean my fruits and veggies. It can't remove all traces, but I feel better knowing Wesley isn't popping pesticides with a side of strawberry into his mouth!
Produce Wash
1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
1 tbsp baking soda
1/2 lemon
Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl. The baking soda and vinegar will react when you mix them together so make sure there is plenty of room in your bowl for the resulting foam. Transfer mixture to a spray bottle.
To use spray on produce and let sit for 5 minutes. Scrub for at least 30 seconds. Use a scrub brush if the produce can withstand it. Rinse in running water.
For very delicate foods like berries you can skip the scrubbing. Just rinse in a colander after the solution has set for 5 minutes.
To avoid early spoilage wash produce just before use.
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