Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Washing Produce

One of our CSA members suggested this post for the proper washing technique for your fruits and veggies. 

Before you wash or soak your food, wash your hands with antibacterial soap. You don’t want the soap to actually touch your food but your hands carry loads of bacteria that can easily transfer to your food.

Consider cleaning your fruits and veggies with a diluted vinegar solution of one part vinegar (white vinegar will do just fine) and three parts water. Experts have discovered that vinegar will kill up to 98% of bacteria in two minutes! Keep it in a spray bottle for convenience.

  •  For smooth-skinned fruits and vegetables: Pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle with 3 cups water. Secure lid and shake well to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Spray the fruit/vegetable enough so the entire food is covered (about 6 sprays). Rub your fruit/vegetable to make sure it is well covered. After a minute or so, rinse fruit/vegetable under cold running water to remove the vinegar (and vinegar taste). Pat dry before slicing or eating
  • For leafy greens: Pour white distilled vinegar into a large bowl and add 3 cups water. Stir with a large spoon to mix the liquids together. Separate the leaves of your leafy vegetables and dip them into the vinegar solution. Remove leaves from the bowl and rinse under cold running water. Shake off excess liquid and let air dry or pat dry before serving.
  • For vegetables with crevices (i.e., broccoli & cauliflower): Pour white distilled vinegar into a large bowl and add 3 cups water. Stir with a large spoon to mix the liquids together. Place vegetable in a large bowl and submerge. Let soak for at least two minutes. Rinse under cold water and shake off excess. Let air dry or pay dry before cooking or serving.

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