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Cooking Tip of the Day
Baking soda is the most inexpensive way to wash pesticides and other impurities from fruits and vegetables.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that up to 13 different pesticide residues were neutralized as well, or even better, with baking soda than with water or bleach.
Soak large produce such as lettuce, apples, etc. in a sink filled with cool water with one-fourth cup of baking soda.
For small amounts of produce soak in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of water.
Total soak time should be from 10 to 15 minutes.
Leafy vegetables and herbs should be totally dried before using.
Leafy vegetables can also be cleaned with dry baking soda sprinkled onto the leaves. Leave sit for 2 to 3 minutes and wash thoroughly.
Another effective practice is to combine equal amounts of vinegar and baking soda in hot water. Soak vegetables and fruits for 20 to 30 minutes. Always rinse well after soaking.
Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2022
