Cleaner Food

Organic.  Organic.  Organic.  It’s all we hear about.  From the produce at our markets to something as processed as a box of macaroni and cheese.  There is so much research out there; some showing that “organic” doesn’t really matter with regard to our health and others showing the complete opposite.  There’s ‘the dirty dozen’…the dirtiest, highest-in-pesticide foods to avoid.   Theres the ‘clean 15’…the cleanest and safest.  What to buy where, when to buy what and everything in between.  I’m exhausted just thinking about it….and quite frankly…our bank account is sick and tired of spending crazy amounts of money to ensure our food is safe and nutritious!  I’ve researched this topic for so incredibly long and I’m sharing with you my take on it.

The bottom line is that a majority of produce contains some form of pesticides, like it or not, organic or not.  The difference between conventionally farmed food and organically farmed food is that conventional farmers are allowed to use synthetic pesticides, organic are only allowed to use natural.  I could dive right in to the differences between pesticide types and how they affect our health, but I’m going to spare you and just say this:  pesticides are pesticides and I would prefer not to feed them to my family.   Now we all know it is simply necessary for some farmers to use them…that, I understand.  Do I try to buy organic when I am able?  Yes.  Am I always able?  No.  But after all is said and done, how can I ensure the cleanest fruits and veggies possible for my family?   A simple, cheap, ridiculous little solution.  Who knew?

This solution is about the most simple thing ever to throw together.  And research has shown that a vinegar washing solution will reduce up to 98% of bacteria and wax as well.  As for pesticides, they say the most effective way to wash off pesticides is to simply rinse them thoroughly with water.  So, my thought process?  If I can soak or spray them with this simple solution to reduce bacteria and wax that traps in pesticides and then give them an even more thorough rinse after, I’m doing my darn best to provide clean, nourishing food to my loves.

Fruit and Veggie Cleaner

*the simple recipe is one part vinegar to three parts water…so make as much as you’d like.  The recipe below fits just perfectly into my little spray bottle.

Ingredients

1 Cup Water

1/3 Cup Distilled White Vinegar

Directions

Combine water and vinegar in a bowl and soak desired amount of fruits and veggies for 10 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly with water.

Or

Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle.  Spray solution directly onto fruits and veggies and let them sit for 10 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly with water.