Cleaning Produce the Natural Way

We all know that a lot of store-bought produce is covered in pesticides and other chemicals. Even organics aren't immune to some nasty stuff, and when foods come straight from the ground -- there's still dirt to contend with. Thankfully, there's an easy solution that costs only pennies. That's right! You don't need those bottles of mass-produced produce wash to eat clean -- quite literally!

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't always give much thought to washing my fruits and vegetables. I used to grab an apple for lunch and then buff it on my shirt sleeve. Now that I have a hungry toddler running around, I certainly have changed my tune. And this process is so simple, it's really become quite automatic.

Note: For greens and berries I follow a different method. I'll be sure to cover that another day.

// STEP 1: SELECT YOUR PRODUCE

I used to think I needed to wash all my produce in bulk before putting everything in the fridge, but I've since read that washing before storage can promote bacterial growth. So, I wash as I use and cook. As far as what: I tend to wash notoriously dirty fruits and veggies more than others. Carrots and parsnips are obvious choices. Potatoes can get quite funky. Apples, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, etc.

You know, the heartier stuff. Oh, and be sure to inspect your foods to look for signs of spoilage -- mold, etc. -- weed out the bad and keep the good.

// STEP 2: SOAK

Make sure your kitchen sink is clean or place a large bowl/basin down and fill it with cold tap water. Toss whatever you wish to wash inside. If I have really dirty fruit and veggies, I also toss in (up to) a quarter cup of vinegar for good measure.

A splash will do for smaller loads.

// STEP 3: SQUIRT CASTILE SOAP

On my list of Castile Soap Uses, I divulged that we use castile in our foaming hand wash dispensers. (It works beautifully!) We also use it to clean veggies, but if a whole bottle isn't nearby, I squirt a few foaming squirt-fuls into my soaking dish and mix around. Then I let the whole thing soak for a few minutes, maybe 5 total.

That's really all it takes to help dissolve the dirt and grime.

// STEP 4: SCRUB TO DRY + USE

I then rinse everything quickly with some fresh water (to get the soap and vinegar off, etc.) and take a damp tea towel and scrub my veggies until they are as clean as I can get them. I sometimes use a toothbrush on potatoes. And just wait till you see what I used these delicious local carrots in -- a yellow split pea soup!

So delicious . . .


Does this look like your produce-washing process?

Have you always taken time to wash your fruits and veggies?

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