Because no one likes dirty produce… learn how to officially clean and prep your fruits and vegetables for eating…
Tips for washing fruits and vegetables:
-Rub produce thoroughly while holding under running water
-Bacteria often grows in bruised or damaged areas, so be sure to cut these areas out.
-Even if just peeling fruits or vegetables, wash them first!
-Throw away the outermost leaves of heads of cabbage, lettuce, etc.
Consider using a vegetable wash to avoid ingesting potentially harmful pesticides and bacteria. Studies have found washing fruits and vegetables with water alone removes the vast majority of bacteria. However, washing with a dilute vinegar rinse can remove up to 98% of bacteria.
Homemade Vegetable Wash
1 c. white vinegar
3 c. water
(You can also use 1 part lemon juice, 3 parts water.)
Simple coat the food’s surface with the solution. Rinse with pure, cool water and wipe dry with a clean cloth before eating.
Sources
“7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables.” FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. May 23 2011. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm256215.htm.
Aubrey, Allison. “What Does It Take To Clean Fresh Food.” NPR. September 20 2007. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14540742.
