How to Properly Wash Vegetables and Fruits

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Even if you are buying organic produce it is important to wash it to reduce the risk of bacteria. Below are 6 important tips on how to wash vegetable and fruits in order to get rid of bacteria, wax and pesticide residues.

How to Properly Wash Vegetables and Fruits

1. Don’t Wash Before Storing

Washing fruits and vegetables right away before storing can speed up spoilage and promote bacterial growth. Wait until you are going to use them before washing.

2. Remove the Outer Sections

You should cut the outer sections of cabbage, celery, lettuce and other leafy vegetables, in order to remove pesticide residues and bacteria that may have settled on the outside surface.

3. Separate

Green vegetables such as lettuce are best washed individually. You should separate the big leaves before cutting and put it in a bowl of cold water.

After a few minutes, you can rinse it. Then use a salad spinner or paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4. Use Vinegar

Using vinegar may help kill viruses, bacteria and helps to break down wax.
Studies have shown that about 10% vinegar mixture reduced viruses by about 95% and bacteria by 90%. You just add half cup of vinegar to one cup of water.

5. Brushing

For foods like turnips, potatoes, apples, carrots, cucumbers etc, wash well, then use a firm scrub brush to remove bacteria and wax.

6. Wash Before Cutting

A fruit like cantaloupe should be washed as well. This is because whatever is on the outer skin may be transferred to the fruit when cutting it.

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Natural Recipes for Washing:

1. Mix cup of water with 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and 20 drops of lemon juice or grapefruit seed extract to fight off bacteria.
2. You may also put it in a spray bottle and spray produce. Just scrub and rinse. These are good for removing wax.

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