How to Wash Fruits and Veggies

I am so excited to have my own garden again this year and that means a ton of organic, macrobiotic vegetables. But not everyone has a green thumb, space or time to grow their own.

If you can't buy your veggies at the local farmer's Market, then you need to know what your'e putting in your mouth when it comes to pesticides.

The Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org, releases their Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 every year in the spring. They test the fruits and vegetables available in stores in the USA. Basically, if you can't afford to buy everything organically, you can buy the Clean 15 conventionally and not worry.

Also remember that just because something is organic it doesn't mean there are not fertilizer or pestisides used; it means they are specific pesticides and fertilizers that the goverment has deemed organic. So everything should be washed in clean, filtered water.

DIY Fruit and Veggie Wash

• In your sink or large bowl, make a solution of 1 part white vinegar & 3 parts room temperature  filtered water. I love the Berkey water filtration! Research has shown that 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar solution is most effective, removing 98% of contaminants.

• Place your room temperature fruits and vegetables into the wash. By keeping the solution and vegetables near the same temperature, you reduce the risk of shock to certain soft-skinned fruits and vegetables.

• Allow fruits and vegetables to soak for ten minutes and agitate with your hand a few times.

• Rinse in a strainer, be sure to use filtered water. (you can also check to see what is in your tap water at EWG as well.

• air dry on a towel or washed counter space. ( I like to use baking racks to air dry delicate fruits like peaches and plums.