This Simple Trick Will Get Your Fruits and Veggies Squeaky Clean
We all know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential for a healthy diet. But with everything from pesticides and dirt to bacteria and waxes potentially lurking on your produce, ensuring your fruits and veggies are properly cleaned before eating is just as important as picking the right ones in the first place.
While a quick rinse under cold water might seem sufficient, it doesn’t always remove all the unwanted residues. So, what’s the best way to ensure your produce is squeaky clean, free from harmful chemicals, and safe to eat? The good news is, there’s a simple trick that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals or complicated steps, and it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
The Magic Trick: A Baking Soda Soak
One of the most effective ways to clean your fruits and vegetables is by using baking soda—yes, the same stuff you probably have sitting in your kitchen cupboard. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning produce. Its mildly abrasive texture and natural alkaline properties help break down pesticides, wax coatings, and dirt, leaving your produce fresh, clean, and safe to eat.
Research has even shown that a simple baking soda solution is more effective at removing pesticide residues than water alone. In one study by the USDA and Cornell University, a baking soda solution was shown to remove up to 96% of pesticide residues from apples, making it one of the most effective ways to wash your fruits and veggies.
How to Clean Your Produce with Baking Soda
Getting your fruits and veggies squeaky clean with baking soda couldn’t be simpler. Here’s the step-by-step process:
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 large bowl or clean sink
- Water (enough to submerge your produce)
- Soft brush (optional, for extra scrub)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Fill a bowl or sink with water.
The water should be enough to fully submerge the fruits or vegetables you’re cleaning. Use cold or lukewarm water—hot water can sometimes cause the skin of certain fruits to soften. -
Add baking soda to the water.
Pour in about one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water. Stir it to dissolve the baking soda into the water. It’s really that simple—no need for fancy cleaning products or soap. -
Soak your produce.
Place your fruits or vegetables into the water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes. The baking soda solution will work its magic by loosening dirt, wax, and any chemical residues from the surface of the produce. -
Scrub gently.
For particularly dirty or waxy items (like apples, cucumbers, or potatoes), you can use a soft vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface while it’s soaking. This helps dislodge any stubborn residue. -
Rinse and dry.
After soaking, rinse your produce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any remaining baking soda and loosened residues. Pat your fruits and veggies dry with a clean towel or paper towel, and you’re done!
Why Does This Work?
The reason why baking soda is so effective at cleaning fruits and vegetables lies in its alkaline nature. Baking soda has a slightly higher pH than water, which helps break down the acidic bonds that form between pesticide residues, dirt, and waxes on the surface of your produce. This makes it easier to remove them without compromising the taste or quality of the food.
Additionally, baking soda’s mild abrasiveness is perfect for scrubbing away dirt and grime without damaging the delicate skins of many fruits and vegetables. It’s also completely safe to use, unlike some commercial cleaning products that may leave behind harmful chemicals.
Produce You Can Clean with Baking Soda
This baking soda trick works wonders on a variety of fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the produce items that benefit most from this simple cleaning method:
- Apples and other fruits with skin (like pears, plums, and grapes)
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- Carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables
- Cucumbers, peppers, and other waxed produce
- Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens
- Tomatoes, peaches, and plums
Even delicate foods like grapes and berries can be gently cleaned this way, helping to reduce pesticide residues while keeping the fruit intact.
Bonus Tip: Use a Vinegar Soak for Extra Cleanliness
While baking soda works wonders, for extra peace of mind or for particularly dirty produce, you can add white vinegarto the mix. Vinegar is known for its ability to kill bacteria and mould, making it a great option for cleaning your produce. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 3 cups of water in a bowl.
- Soak your produce for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
This vinegar soak can help reduce bacteria and viruses that might be on the skin of your produce, though it’s not as effective at removing pesticides as the baking soda method.
What About Pre-Packaged Produce?
You might be wondering, “What about pre-washed or packaged fruits and veggies?” While pre-packaged produce is usually rinsed before packaging, it can still benefit from an extra cleaning. Bags of pre-washed salad greens, for example, may have been exposed to bacteria during processing or packaging, so a quick soak in a baking soda solution will ensure they’re extra clean.
If you're cleaning pre-packaged items like spinach or lettuce, it’s also a good idea to inspect them for any remaining dirt or damaged leaves. While most pre-washed produce is safe, taking a few extra minutes to clean them yourself ensures you’re removing any lingering contaminants.
Why You Should Care About Cleaning Your Produce
Aside from the obvious health benefits of removing dirt, bacteria, and chemicals, cleaning your produce properly can also improve the flavour and texture of your fruits and vegetables. Wax coatings, commonly found on apples, cucumbers, and peppers, can interfere with the natural taste and texture of the fruit. A good scrub will remove the wax and allow you to enjoy a fresher, more vibrant taste.
Moreover, cleaning your produce thoroughly helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. While most fruit and vegetables are safe to eat raw, they can sometimes carry harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria, especially if they’ve been handled improperly. A proper cleaning routine helps minimise these risks and ensures your food is both tasty and safe.
Conclusion: A Simple Trick for a Healthier Diet
Cleaning your fruits and vegetables is an essential part of healthy eating, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or require expensive cleaning products. With the simple, cost-effective solution of baking soda, you can quickly and easily remove harmful residues, dirt, and wax from your produce. Whether you're enjoying an apple as a snack or preparing a leafy green salad, this trick will leave your food squeaky clean, so you can enjoy all the nutritional benefits without the worry.
So, the next time you're prepping your fruits and veggies, give this baking soda trick a try and enjoy cleaner, safer produce with no fuss.