Everyone knows eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is a healthy choice. But fruits and veggies can pick up dirt, chemicals, and wax in their journey from the farm to your kitchen. So how do you properly wash produce to make sure it’s safe to eat?
How to Wash Vegetables and Fruit Naturally with a Baking Soda Wash
Here are the simple steps for how to wash fresh fruits and vegetables:
Step 1 – SHAKE
Fill the bowl or sink about 2/3 full with cold water, leaving room to add the produce. Add ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda to the cold water. When washing fruits and vegetables in a sink add 3 or 4 tablespoons to the water and swish it around to distribute. For a mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon baking soda to every 2 cups of cold water.
Step 2 – AGITATE
Submerge the fruit or vegetables in the baking soda water.
Let soak for 12 to 15 minutes. The time will help the baking soda do its job. Swish the produce around in the water or push it down several times to ensure all sides of the produce is being cleaned.
*For firmer vegetables and fruits, such as melons, apples, carrots, or potatoes, use a soft-bristle vegetable brush to scrub the surface with baking soda. For softer produce, such as berries or mushrooms lightly rub baking soda on produce with your fingers. The scrubbing helps to remove the loosened dirt and softened wax and chemicals. *
Step 3 – RINSE
Remove the produce from the water, rinse and let it dry thoroughly before prepping or eating and you’re done.
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