Everyone has their little quirks. For me, it used to be being overly particular about produce.
I went through a phase where I only bought organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market. It was expensive, a bit pretentious and often inconvenient, but I was determined to avoid chemicals.
Over time I relaxed my approach to eating “healthy.” Now I shop at my local grocery store, but I still prefer to minimize chemicals when possible. A simple produce wash is an easy way to reduce residue and remove germs or parasites that can be present on commercially grown or even organic produce.
In short: wash all of your produce, all of the time.
This homemade produce wash uses just four ingredients and takes minutes to prepare. Make a batch to soak your weekly haul, or pour it into a spray bottle for quick use on loose greens or single items.
DIY Produce Wash
Store-bought produce washes are convenient but often costly. High-quality commercial options can run $10 or more for 16 ounces, which doesn’t stretch far. At the same time, inexpensive commercial washes aren’t always effective: some studies indicate that plain distilled water can remove bacteria and mold as well as certain budget products.
A practical and low-cost solution is to make your own produce wash at home. This recipe uses a few simple ingredients and costs under $5 per gallon. I typically add about 1 cup of the solution to a sink of cool water and let the produce soak. If I’m short on time, I spray it directly onto the produce and give items a quick scrub. White vinegar helps reduce germs, while lemon juice aids in breaking down grease and grime.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups filtered water
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, then transfer the mixture to a spray bottle or an airtight container.
To use: pour 1 cup of the solution into a sink of cool water and let produce soak for at least 15 minutes before rinsing. Alternatively, spray directly on produce, scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly before eating. Allow produce to dry completely before storing in the refrigerator to help prevent spoilage.
