How our Fruit and Vegetable Wash can clean up ‘the Dirty Dozen’ (or why that innocent-looking strawberry might not be so innocent)

Next time you buy strawberries, watch out. You might be getting a bit more than you bargained for.

According to The Environmental Working Group’s annual shoppers’ guide report, just released in the United States, ‘about a third of all strawberry samples tested has at least 10 pesticides on it’, meaning that for the third year running, this breakfast, smoothie and dessert favourite tops the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of produce with the worst pesticide residue. You may not be able to see or taste the residue, but it’s there; and when you are trying to live and eat as healthily as possible, that’s a huge concern.

If you want to protect yourself and your family from toxic chemicals, giving fruit and vegetables a proper wash is therefore incredibly important. A simple rinse is not really enough, because research has shown that even organically grown produce is vulnerable to the effects of drift spray, human handling, animal soiling, mould spores, dust and dirt. And unfortunately, even home-grown fruit and veg can be susceptible to environmental pollutants outside our control.

KOALA ECO Natural Fruit and Vegetable Wash has been specially formulated to get fresh produce properly clean. It’s alcohol, gluten and GMO-free, and contains Mandarin (Citrus reticulate) essential oil in a 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly plant-derived formula. These natural disinfectants are powerful enough to shift residual pesticides, oils, waxes and agricultural chemicals from fruit and vegetables, leaving no unpleasant aftertaste.

It’s significantly better than rinsing with water alone, and as a bonus, by following the formula’s washing instructions (and drying thoroughly afterwards) you can help to keep produce fresher for longer.

Like every KOALA ECO product, aside from the essential oils, the only other ingredients in the fruit and vegetable wash are Australian filtered water, sea salt, plant-based biodegradable surfactant soap, and plant-based food-grade biodegradable solubiliser. And for each bottle bought, Koala Eco donates a dollar to the charity One Percent for the Planet.

Enjoy the taste and goodness of your strawberries (and spinach and nectarines, apples and peaches and so on) without a side order of pesticide.

Meet 2018’s 'Dirty Dozen':