Cleaning Fruits/Vegetables With Vinegar Or Baking Soda

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​It is always best for fruits and vegetables to be cleaned appropriately before eating.

Cleaning Fruits/Vegetables With Vinegar Or Baking Soda
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

It is always best for fruits and vegetables to be cleaned appropriately before eating.  Most people believe a good rinse under warm running water is sufficient, but this does not remove germs and bacteria.
 
Benefits of cleaning fruits/vegetables with vinegar or baking soda
How to use vinegar to clean your produce:

• For the smooth-skinned fruits and vegetables:  Pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle filled with 3 cups of water.  Secure the lid and shake well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.  Spray the fruit/vegetable well enough to cover the entire food.  Rub your fruit/vegetables to make sure that it is well coated.  After a minute, rinse the fruit/vegetables under cold running water to eliminate the vinegar (and vinegary taste).  Pat them dry before slicing or eating.
  
  
• For all leafy greens:  Pour white distilled vinegar into a large bowl adding 3 cups of water.  Mix with a large spoon.  Separate the leaves of the leafy vegetables and then dip them into the vinegary solution.  Remove all leaves from the bowl and rinse them under cold running water.  Shake off all excess liquid and let air dry or pat dry before serving.
  
  
• For vegetables with crevices (i.e., broccoli):  Pour white distilled vinegar into a large bowl and add 3 cups water.  Stir with a large spoon to mix the liquids.  Place the vegetables into a large bowl and then submerge.  Leave them to soak for two-plus minutes.  Rinse well under cold water and shake off excess.  Allow the air to dry or pay dry before you cook or serve.

Using baking soda to clean your produce:

• For sturdy fruits and vegetables (not soft-skinned):  Generously sprinkle baking soda on your fruit/vegetable and then scrub.  Under cold running water, rinse well until all traces of the baking soda are gone.
  
  
• For leafy greens:  Sprinkle baking soda all over the leafy greens and let sit for about 2 minutes before lightly scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly.