The truth behind Fruits

Mangoes

Endosulphan is sprayed on mangoes ten days before harvesting to get rid of the fruit fly which can damage the mangoes after they are plucked. The mango itself may be free of the chemical. Since mangoes are mass produced and transported distances, they are often plucked before they are seasoned and then quickly ripe by using ethylene gas. Ethylene gas is not harmful in itself. In fact it is released by the mango from the seeds outwards as it ripens. But subjecting the fruit to this gas externally, ripens the mango from the skin inwards. Thus the skin looks golden yellow, but the mango is actually sour. Calcium carbide is again a dangerous food ripening agent because it is usually contaminated with arsenic, which is a deadly poisonous heavy metal.

Bnanas

 Did you know that a banana which is considered to be the safest item because its skin is discarded is also not very safe? This is because this fruit goes through artificial enlargement and ripening. The chemicals used for ripening of bananas are ethylene solution or ethephon which releases ethylene gas. The gas should not be released directly on the fruits, but the farmers like to follow short cuts by dipping the bunches in ethereal solution.

Grapes

Pesticides called organophosphates are used on grapes. These are used generally after grapes are harvested. The pesticides are used generally after the grapes are harvested. The grapes are taken and put inside the drums in the liquid. The liquid is volatile so the smell disappears in a few days and you cannot actually make out any difference. But the poison remains.

Apples

Lethal pesticides were not used earlier on apples. In 1983 when there was an attack of mealybugs in Himachal Pradesh , then the government issued an order listing 29 different chemicals that could be applied to apples. The attack of mealybugs has disappeared, but the government order has not been taken back and so the farmers still spray pesticides. The common saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away so does not apply because we hardly get non-toxic variety of apples in the market.