Wait, Why Is Everyone Washing Produce With Baking Soda?
Why Washing Your Produce Is Important
When you bring produce into your home, whether from the supermarket, farmers market, roadside stand, or even from your backyard garden, do you wash it? It's essential to ensure that all our produce is clean before we use it, but what does “clean” actually mean?
Understanding the Dirt on Your Produce
If you put the shiniest tomatoes or the glossiest strawberries under a microscope, they’d likely be a lot dirtier than you’d expect. Regardless of how those fruits or vegetables are grown, there’s always something sitting on the surface. It might be dirt, dust, or even pesticides, but the reality is that fruits and vegetables are living things that require nourishment and care to get to your shopping cart.
The Role of Baking Soda in Cleaning Produce
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used for more than just baking. It is mildly abrasive and perfect for gentle cleaning, which is why it's often recommended for washing produce. To use baking soda to clean produce, mix 1 teaspoon per 2 cups of cold water and swish your produce in the solution before allowing it to soak for 12–15 minutes.
Dealing with Pesticides
Pesticides are a concern for many when it comes to produce. While washing produce with baking soda can help reduce pesticide residues, the levels detected are usually below harmful thresholds. Buying organic or locally from farmers markets can be a way to avoid higher pesticide exposure.
Alternative Methods for Washing Produce
While baking soda is a popular choice for cleaning produce, there are other options available. It's important to avoid using soap or household detergents, as they can be absorbed by fruits and vegetables and make you sick.
Final Thoughts
Research shows that washing produce with a baking soda solution provides minimal benefits in terms of removing residues. However, if you're concerned about pesticides, buying organic or from pesticide-free farmers is a good alternative. Remember to always dry your produce well to prevent bacteria growth.
