Fresh fruits and vegetables are a flavorful, necessary part of the daily diet. Whether you purchase your produce at a retail store or a farmers market, it carries dirt and chemical residues that can contain foodborne bacteria, such as Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli, which can cause serious and even fatal illness. While commercial washes are available, homemade fruit and vegetable washes are an easy, cost-effective alternative. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Homemade Produce Wash
Making your own fruit and vegetable wash is as simple as combining a cup of water, a cup of distilled white vinegar, a tablespoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir the contents well, to dissolve the baking soda, then transfer to a spray bottle. Spray the produce with the wash, allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
The Aternative: Water
The Food and Drug Administration does not recommend the use of commercial washes or soap on fresh produce, but instead advises consumers to thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables with running water to remove any dirt and other residues. Use a clean produce brush to scrub the rinds of melons, and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much bacteria and other contaminants as possible.
Tags: baking soda, commercial washes, fruits vegetables