Love a splash of citrus zest in your recipes? Well, think twice before grating away! Nutritionist and top cookbook author Jenny Tschiesche is sounding the alarm about potential health risks linked to how some citrus fruits are grown. Sharing her insights on TikTok, Jenny emphasised the importance of checking labels on easy peelers like mandarins and tangerines.
It turns out, many of these fruits are treated with surface fungicides such as imazalil, 2,4-D, thiabendazole, and more, which are designed to keep them fresh on the shelves. But here’s the catch – these chemicals can accumulate, and regular exposure might not be so great for your health. Some can affect the liver, endocrine system, and even potentially impact hormones and neurological health. Yikes!
But don’t worry, you don’t have to ditch your citrus entirely! Jenny advises peeling the fruit (yes, really, some recipes do use the whole fruit!) and if you love zest in your dishes, make sure to wash and scrub the peel thoroughly, or better yet, opt for organic varieties.
Pesticide Action Network UK backs this up, highlighting how citrus fruits often show the highest pesticide residues, especially in their peels – a little alarming if you’re zest-happy! And let’s not forget about kids handling these fruits; the possibility of skin absorption should be on your radar.
Jenny’s tips? Peel before eating, wash well if zesting, or go organic. To those wondering about zesting, she’s got you covered. Either give them a good wash or choose organic whenever possible. So next time you’re shopping for citrus, give those labels a little extra attention! 🍊🍋
Stay informed and make healthier choices with every bite. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know below! 🌿👨🍳