Wash For Safety & Savings
Before serving those fresh fruits and vegetables to your family it is important to clean them properly, even if they are labeled organic. Much produce travels hundreds if not thousands of miles to your local grocer. In addition to protecting your family’s health, it can also extend the life of fresh produce in the fridge. Soaking methods are great for when you first purchase fresh food because they extend the shelf life by eliminating bacteria and other microbes. The spray methods are great for when you choose to clean as you cook.
Methods
For each of the following recipes, fill your sink or large bowl with cold water. Add the listed ingredients.
Option 1: 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 tbsp of salt. The vinegar generally cleans it while the salt draws out little bugs and dirt particles. For best results soak the produce for at least 20 minutes. Rinse and store.
Option 2: 1/2 cup of plain baking soda. Allow the fruits and vegetables to soak for about 5 minutes and then rub items well with your hands. Rinse and store.
Option 3: Add just a few drops of the original green Palmolive dishwashing soap for a very weak solution. Consumer Reports advised that this method removed up to 95% of pesticide residue.
Spray Methods
Use these methods for a quicker clean and use time. Rinse each food item 3-5 minutes after application. Use a clean spray bottle and refill as needed. Adjust the recipe according to how much you wish to make.
Option 1: 1 cup of water, 1 cup vinegar, and 2 tbsp baking soda. It will fizz a bit.
Option 2: 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar, 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
Option 3: Simple 50/50 water and vinegar solution
