Three Ways to Naturally and Properly Wash Your Produce

I’m loving that I’m seeing so many people receiving/picking up CSA boxes, or picking up more fruits and veggies in general. Eating locally, and seasonally is wonderful for you, your local economy, and the environment (since it doesn’t have to travel as far). If you can buy organic, even better. Buying organic MEANS you are also protecting the farmers picking your produce and not subjecting them to harmful chemicals. It’s a win-win situation. 

However, if you’re purchasing it directly from a farmer/distributor, you may notice more dirt, buggies, and just earth in general. How awesome is it to then know it was all recently picked?! There’s nothing fresher unless you grow your own. Either way, you’ve got to properly clean your produce to remove dirt and (potential) pesticides. The most pesticide-laden produce? Strawberries, apples, nectarines, peaches, celery, grapes, cherries, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. So again, try to buy these organic when possible. Here are three ways to give them a good scrub:

Three Tips first…

A. Ensure you use cold water when submerging your produce. Warm water may damage/cause them to wilt, so keep that in mind. 

B. It’s important to remove the fruits and veggies from the water, prior to draining the sink. I personally move them over to the other side to rinse. This ensures that it isn’t re-contaminated by the dirt that has accumulated at the bottom. 

C. Air dry your produce before packing it in the fridge, or freezer, or in your fruit/veggie bowl. 

Ok, for the scrub…. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple Cider Vinegar helps remove wax, pesticides, and dirt. Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water. Add your produce and submerge them underwater for at least 10 minutes. Feel free to stir them while you do this. Then remove your produce, drain the sink, and thoroughly rinse and dry them. 

2. Hydrogen Peroxide (Food-Grade)

Hydrogen Peroxide is a hard one to find these days, but if you have it around, great. It removes dirt, bacteria, and pesticides. If you’re using 35% food -grade peroxide, then add about 1 tablespoon to the sink. Soak the produce for at least 10 minutes. Then remove your produce, drain the sink, and thoroughly rinse and dry them. 

3. Branch Basics Concentrate (USE CODE ‘BUENQAMINO’ FOR 10% OFF YOUR STARTER KIT)

Branch Basics concentrate removes dirt, bacteria and breaks down pesticides. This is what I’ve personally been using. Fill up your sink with cold water, and add just one tablespoon of Branch Basics concentrate. Dump the fresh produce in and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Then remove your produce, drain the sink, and thoroughly rinse and dry them. Please use code BUENQAMINO for 10% of your starter kit.

Happy scrubbing and eating, friends!