How to Properly Clean Fresh Produce

Wondering how to properly clean fresh produce? I share all the tips below including the benefits to cleaning your produce.

Why You Should Clean Fresh Produce Before Consuming

Washing fresh produce with cool to warm water is always a good idea. However, taking it a step further and using the vinegar soaking method is best practice to ensure you properly clean your produce.

By properly cleaning your fresh produce, this helps to reduce the amount of dirt, chemicals, pesticides, bacteria and other germs that may be present. I also highly recommend purchasing organic, especially when it comes to produce on the dirty dozen list. This will initially reduce the amount of chemicals present, such as glyphosate. However, it is best practice to use the vinegar soaking method regardless if you purchase organic or not.

The Vinegar Soaking Method

When it comes to produce such as root vegetables, squash, or melons, scrubbing with a stiff brush under warm water will help to wash away excess dirt and bacteria.

When it comes to other produce such as berries, leafy greens, apples, tomatoes and pears, using the vinegar soaking method will help to properly clean the produce. To do the vinegar soaking method, place the produce within a large bowl and fill it with lukewarm water, adding 1/4 cup of vinegar. Allow the produce to soak for 15 minutes. Then drain the water and thoroughly rinse off your produce. That’s all there is to it! Once you dump the water, you will see all the excess dirt that was previously on the produce that is now gone. I especially like to do the vinegar soaking method with produce purchased from the farmers market, to remove excess dirt and bugs.