How To Properly Wash Fruits And Vegetables

How to naturally wash fruits and vegetables

Did you know that the fruits and vegetables we pick up from the grocery store have LOTS of wax on it? Yep, whether you're buying organic or not, natural beeswax or petroleum-based film is used to coat produce to protect produce during transport and extend their shelf life.

So, have you been eating and feeding your family dirty vegetables?

Possibly! Between the bacteria that can get trapped in the wax and pesticides, it all honestly feels a little icky. That's why it's important for us to PROPERLY wash our fruits and veggies. 

Sure, washing your hands and running your produce under cool to lukewarm water for 10 seconds is great! It cleans off MOST of the yuck. 

But, if you truly want to safeguard you and your folks, try some simple, natural hacks. 'Ain't nobody got time for elaborate methods after spending hours shopping or ordering groceries—AND ain't nobody got time for E. coli or salmonella! So that's that.   

Here's a few simple natural hacks to try after washing your veggies:

1.  Scrub your veggies under water, using a scrub brush for 10 seconds or so. This works well for firmer veggies like bell peppers or celery. Rinse the brush after. Choose a brush with appropriate firm or softness, depending on the produce.  

2. Soak delicate fruit like grapes or berries in water for 10-30 minutes to allow residue to float to the surface. Make sure to rinse them after and dry any remaining fruit in a colander or pat them dry with towels, before refrigerating them.

3. Soak or spray your fruits or veggies using either lime juice, lemon juice, baking soda, or white vinegar. (See my tutorial in the video above.) Good solutions include: 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, per 1 cup of water. You can also use 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice with 2 cups of distilled water. These options kill residue naturally! Rinse your produce with water after, so they don't smell like vinegar. Most fruits and veggies can benefit from this method, including melons, that have a tough (and dirty) exterior. Add the wash to the skin of the melon. Scrub them with your hands or a brush before slicing into them.

4. Avoid buying pre-made produce wash, which can actually add more residue or change the taste. 

Have you tried any of these natural options?

Thanks for reading! For more resources for busy moms who want to lead healthier, plant-based lives: Follow me @getmommafied on Instagram, and subscribe to my bimonthly Mommafied Note.