I get an allergic reaction to eating fruit even if I wash it.  Is
there anything I can wash it with that will really clean it.

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Request for Question Clarification by robertskelton-ga on 04 Aug 2002 19:46 PDT

Do you know what it is you are allergic to? The fruit, pesticides, or
the wax coating they sometimes use?

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Clarification of Question by thrill-ga on 05 Aug 2002 05:17 PDT

I believe its the pestiside. Sometimes if I am at a plant store I wil
itch and my hand swells from picking up the plants.  I assume its the
fertilizer.

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Request for Question Clarification by jcarroll-ga on 05 Aug 2002 09:29 PDT

I believe that I might have some information for you that would
explain your reaction... but I need to know which fruits bother you.

also, I know that sometimes people often wash fruit with washing up
liquid instead of using just plain water - is it possible that
something that you are using to wash the fruit is causing the allergic
reaction?

You simply can't remove all pesticides from fruit by cleaning it.
These chemicals get into the ground and the whole fruit, although
certain sprays used on apples and some other fruits do mostly exist on
the surface and can be removed by peeling.

Recent government tests do show that most organic produce is
significantly lower in contaminants (as we organic growers have long
claimed) so you should consider trying to stick strictly to
organically grown products for a few weeks to see if it clears up the
problem.

Also, you could simply be alergic to many kinds of fruit.

thrill,

The allergies you describe when eating fruit and touching plants may
not even be the same.  Some plants cause more allergic reactions than
others; you could be sensitive to certain plants.  Fruits may be
causing completely unrelated allergies.  Or, there may be a common
factor involved, such as pesticide, or more remotely a fertilizer.

There is no way to know for sure what will help you with your
allergies.  Allergic people often have multiple allergies.  Figuring
out what is causing the problem is sometimes like solving a murder
mystery!

I agree with you that washing the fruit is a good place to start.  
Perhaps you can try the new products available (at least in the U.S.)
specifically formulated for washing produce, being sure to thoroughly
rinse the product itself off the fruit.

If all you require is information on how to most effectively clean
produce, please so indicate and I'm sure someone will provide
information and sources.

Regards,

historybuff

thrill - 
  I know it's hearsay, but I have a friend who was allergic to peaches
until he started buying organic.  Those he seems to be able to
tolerate.  Of course, organics can become contaminated with pesticides
from nearby fields, etc., but it might be worth a try.  If that
doesn't improve matters I'd suggest having your general practitioner
refer you to an allergist - they can do more complicated tests to
determine exactly what's causing your reaction.

Best of luck!
~hippychick

I'll chime in and say I'm a devoted organic-o-phile.  Aside from being
pesticide and chemical fertalizer free (assuming no cross
contamination, a legitimate issue raised in a previous comment),
organic produce, especially when bought through a farmers market, is
more likely to be in season.  I've come across some interviews and
articles by nutritionists (supporters of organics, of course) who
believe that eating with the seasons has all kinds of benefits,
including minimizing allergic reactions.

The basic thinking, and it's admittedly a little new-age-y, is that
eating seasonally means your body and the fruit/veggie are in synch...
While preservatives, pesticides, and fertilizers make produce
available to us beyond its natural growing cycle and we think that's
great, it's not ideal for either the produce or for us.

To respond more directly to your question, if you have a Whole Foods
Market in your area, you'll not only find organic produce, but great
organic produce washes. If there's no Whole Foods, call your local
health food store... I bet they'll be able to help you.

Thrill,

I have the same problem with peaches, apples, and pears.  The only
solution is peeling them or cooking them, if you insist on eating them
like I do.  The organic solution may help depending on you particular
allegies.

My additional recommendation is not to use more chemicals to get rid
of chemicals from the fruit.  This compounds problems.  The only thing
you need to do to clean fruit worth eating is to wash them under
running water (without chemicals).

I hope this helps,
claudietta

I have friends who have used a product by Shaklee called "Basic G". It
removed the waxes and pesticides without adding additional chemicals.

Best Wishes

Hi,
HAve you tried washing your fruit with vinegar and water and then rinsing??
This may help.