Your fruit and veg has likely been touched by many hands before it gets to your kitchen - let's commit to the habit of at least washing them under cold water as we get home from the shops. But if you want a little more oomph consider making your own fruit and veggie wash to loosen debris, remove pesticides, and eliminate some of the bacteria that other grocery shoppers passed on to your produce. Sure you could buy one, but it’s inexpensive to make at home and chances are you probably already have all of the ingredients in your cupboard.
Of course, wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
How To Make Your Own Fruit and Veggie Wash
What You’ll Need
- Spray bottle
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Gentle scrub brush
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Make your solution: To clean most fruits and vegetables, mix a solution of 1 cup vinegar to 4 cups water inside your spray bottle, then add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Shake well to combine.
- Spray your produce: Place your fruit or vegetable in a sieve in the sink. Spray it liberally with the mixture, then let it sit for two to five minutes.
- Rinse: Rinse off the mixture thoroughly with cool water, using a vegetable scrub brush on thicker-skinned produce (if your have one).
- Dry: Pat dry with paper towels (or allow to air dry on a tea towel)
How To Make Veggie Wash for Leafy Greens
What You’ll Need
- Glass or metal bowl
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Colander or a salad spinner
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Make your solution: Place your greens into a clean glass or metal bowl. Fill the bowl with a solution of 1 cup vinegar to 4 parts water, then add a tablespoon of salt.
- Soak your greens: Let the greens sit in the solution for two to five minutes, then remove.
- Rinse: Rinse off the mixture thoroughly with cold water either in a sieve or the basket of a salad spinner.
- Dry: Dry the greens with paper towels or give them in a run through a salad spinner. It’s recommended to do this right before you eat the greens, since any excess moisture can lead to decay in the fridge.
Let me know how you go x