Cleaning fresh produce with soda, lemon, and a toothbrush eliminates germs effectively.
Wash Your Veggies Right: A PSA for Protecting Yourself from Grossness
Got fresh veggies and fruits? While they're a healthy choice, they're not always germ-free. We're here to keep you and your fam safe, so read on for the lowdown on clean produce.
The Basic Deets
Clean running water is your best friend here. Most fruits and veggies with a smooth surface, like apples and tomatoes, can be rinsed under a stream for a few minutes. Rub 'em good with your hands to get things clean.
For veggies with rough or uneven surfaces, like potatoes or carrots, you can use a soft-bristled brush. Scrub gently to remove dirt and soil residue. And yes, a dash of baking soda helps too!
Upgrade Your Clean with Advanced Methods
Wait, there's more! Some stores sell fancy-pants fruit and veggie washing products. These bad boys are loaded with plant extracts or lemon acid, which are seen as better at banishing contaminants and wax. Just remember to rinse thoroughly!
Or whip up a homemade "disinfecting solution" - combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 liter of water. Use this bad boy to rinse your clean-looking produce. No microbe will dare mess with you.
But What About Boiling?Yes, boiling kills microbes, but be careful. It can destroy some vitamins and alter the taste. If you must, just do it quickly, for a few seconds, and then cool your produce in cold water.
Remember When We Talked About Cleaning a Burnt Pot? Well, Now Is Not the Time for That Convo.
Stay safe, and happy cleaning!
- It's important to note that while fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and nutrition, they are not always free of harmful germs.
- To ensure cleanliness, rough or uneven produce like potatoes and carrots can be scrubbed gently with a soft-bristled brush and a dash of baking soda, or washed with a commercially available fruit and vegetable washing product that contains plant extracts or lemon acid for better cleaning.
- Additionally, a homemade disinfecting solution can be prepared by combining one tablespoon of lemon juice with one liter of water, which can be used to rinse your produce for extra protection against microbes.
