13 September 2014

How to - make a Homemade fruit and vegetable wash ?

 homemade_fruit_vegetable_wash

A diet full of colorful vegetables and fruits plays a vital role to good health.However,don't you think ,we are living in a very adulterated era?...Hardly anything is fresh and cent percent trustworthy...especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables ,we all know that they are laden with toxins-like pesticide residues , grown with artificial manures,unnatural fertilizers and other not-so-health friendly farming methods.So,buying and consuming regular fruits or vegetables are hardly safe and healthy anymore.

On the other hand, there are "Organic produce",those are grown in a more natural way without any artificial manures or pesticides and (in US must be certified by USDA (US Department of Agriculture).However , like the saying "No pain,no gain",Organic products are expensive comparatively.So,not everyone can afford that.Though, obviously, Organic products are more recommended health wise .

Anyways,whether it is an ordinary produce or an Organic one,both needs a good rinse before consuming whatsoever.



We all being family oriented people, are striving hard to find ways and means to keep our family safe and sound.Yes ,we do wash our fruits,vegetables with water but that only removes minor residues from the produce,the major still remains hidden inside out that can be quite harmful and Yes,there are lots of different brands of fruit wash available in the market.BUT so expensive !!

Fortunately,we can make our own solution with easily available ingredients from our kitchen pantry itself at a fraction of the cost of the store-bought ones.

This Homemade wash is inspired by Dr.Oz's Show .Very easy to make and easy to use . The vinegar has anti-bacterial properties ,lemon is a natural astringent,baking soda is a biopesticide,that inhibits the growth of certain bacteria,fungi and viruses.When combined, they all become a powerful solution to get a clean and safe produce.



Homemade natural fruit and vegetable wash

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Ingredients
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Distilled White Vinegar - 1 cup
Water -1 cup
Salt - 1 tablespoon
 Baking Soda - 1 tablespoon (Optional)
 Lemon (Optional)
 A spray bottle
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Method
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  • Mix everything in a large bowl and use as needed in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the hard skinned fruit or vegetables with this solution and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • For soft skinned fruits or veg,soak them in a big bowl or pot/basin and NOT the sink (which is full of bacteria) for about two minutes.
  • Then rinse well under "Running faucet/tap water" before cooking or serving.
Notes:
  1. According to the researchers from the magazine,"Cook's illustrated" , Vinegar plus water was powerful enough to kill 98% of bacteria from produce especially the leafy greens as they are more likely to be contaminated with E.coli bacteria.Moreover,as per a study in the Journal of Food protection, Vinegar's properties to destroy E.coli bacteria was "Significantly increased" when Salt was added to the mix.(Courtesy :Rodalenews.com).
  2. To make a mix for an "ALL PURPOSE GERM KILLER" =
    1 spray bottleful of undiluted white vinegar
    1 spray bottleful of undiluted hydrogen peroxide
         Spray the food produce first with the vinegar and then with the hydrogen peroxide. Rinse thoroughly.
According to a study in Food Microbiology ,this sprays can be used on produce or on raw meat to kill E. coli, Listeria, and salmonella bacteria.Also can be used to disinfect counter tops.(Courtesy :Rodalenews.com)


As they say,"Prevention is better than cure". Millions of people around the world are suffering from hormonal imbalances,weak immunities and deadly diseases because of exposure to all foods laden with chemicals,pollutants,bacterias and viruses.We should try our best to buy organic produce or grow vegetables/fruits at home in an organic way and take necessary preventive measures always.

This is my humble attempt to share the prevention tips I know and follow ,to those who don't.

Hope it will be helpful.

Take care,







P.S.Also read How to - practice food safety guidelines at home