How to Clean Your Produce in 3 Easy Steps
Cleaning your fruits and veggies is more important than many realize. And no, that quick rinse of water isn’t going to do much.
While some exposure to dirt and bacteria can be good for our immune system, the chemicals now found in our foods can build up in the body over time and cause more harm in the long run.
The Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” share fruits and veggies with the highest pesticide residues like strawberries, spinach, and apples, making cleaning especially important.
Think your organic foods are safe? Think again.
Unfortunately, even organic produce can contain pesticide residues or environmental contaminants, so washing all your fruits and vegetables thoroughly is essential. Eating unwashed produce may expose you to toxins that affect liver detox, hormone balance, and overall health.
Here’s a simple and effective method I use to clean my produce as efficiently as possible without the hassle.
- Soak in Baking Soda Water: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl or sink of cold water and soak your produce for 10 to 15 minutes. Baking soda helps break down and loosen dirt and pesticide residues on the surface.
- Scrub Firm Produce: For items like apples, cucumbers, and potatoes, gently scrub the skin with a clean brush or sponge to remove more grime and chemicals.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under plain water, or for extra cleaning power, add a splash of vinegar to the rinse water. Vinegar helps kill bacteria and remove leftover residues but avoid soaking too long to protect flavor.
Cleaning your produce reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, supports your body’s detox processes, and helps you get the most nutritional benefit from your food.
It is a simple step that makes a big difference.
