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Washing the vegetables with just water is not the solution if you want to have them raw. The amount of pesticides and wax to make the fruit or vegetable look pretty and protected in malls can cause infections and allergies. While peeling or trimming the outer layers of fruits and vegetables with thicker skins further reduces pesticide exposure, it also subtracts the benefits the skin has. Hence, rule number one is to wash the vegetables perfectly, going into each unreachable corner of the vegetable while preparing it fresh and healthy. Washing vegetables is a delicate and tacky process, making the food safety of the dish an integral part of cooking.
One needs to wash their vegetables perfectly, while they have to be sure that they don't eradicate the nutrients by over boiling them or adding baking soda. One needs to look out for the perfect steps to these techniques, making it work brilliantly, preserving the nutrients and removing the harmful chemicals from the fruits and vegetables for healthy consumption. Read these techniques to know more about washing and to worry less about food safety.
Cold Water Rinse
As basic as it can get. You can wash fruits and vegetables under cold water while gently rubbing them with your hands is a quick and effective method for removing surface dirt. You can also soak them in a bowl of cold water, which can help the removal of contaminants. This method is versatile and suitable for most produce, providing a simple yet efficient cleaning process.
Vinegar Soak
Did you know white vinegar and water mixture creates a soaking solution that helps reduce pesticide residues and combat bacteria. You can also use apple cider vinegar as a great alternative. This particular method of vinegar soak is particularly useful for leafy greens and fruits, offering an additional layer of cleaning after a simple water rinse.
Baking Soda Scrub
Want to deep clean your fruits and vegetables? You can create a paste with baking soda and water. The paste allows gentle scrubbing, help yourself with a brush, effectively removing wax and pesticide residues. An alternative abrasive, salt, can be used for this purpose too. This method is well-suited for strawberries and broccoli, providing a deeper cleaning.
Vegetable Brush
Need a specific brush? Worry not. Buy a vegetable brush and use it under running water. It is effective for scrubbing firm vegetables and fruits, especially those with textured surfaces. You can DIY a clean toothbrush for the same purpose. This kind of cleaning removes dirt and contaminants, making it an ideal method for potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Sometimes, the greens have unwanted insects here and there, which can be missed while washing them with cold water. Mixing hydrogen peroxide with water creates a solution that, when sprayed or rinsed on fruits and vegetables, helps kill bacteria and neutralize pesticides the most. You can also consider using lemon juice and water as a natural option. It is particularly valuable for leafy greens, offering an additional disinfection layer.
Steam Cleaning
Need extra protection eliminating any bacteria from the vegetables and fruits. You can steam the vegetables using a steamer basket or microwaving them with water. It will help preserve nutrients and effectively remove contaminants, especially from leafy greens. Steam cleaning is a quick and efficient approach that maintains nutrients and ensures a high level of cleanliness.
Commercial Fruit And Vegetable Wash
You can also use a commercial product/ detergent for fruits and vegetables available and wash following with package instructions. It offers a convenient and specially formulated solution for removing contaminants. It comes as powder or liquid, according to your choice. This method provides a hassle-free option for individuals seeking a straightforward and effective way to simply wash fruits and vegetables.
