How to Clean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

You know that you're supposed to clean all fruits and vegetables before consumption, but do you know the best way to do this? While everyone has different theories on which is the best method, we, at Public Kitchen Supply would like to share some of our favorite methods. There are a couple different methods that you want to decide between. It depends on what you have available in your kitchen, which you think cleans best, and what type of fruit or vegetable you are cleaning.

First, let's debunk a thought process some people have. Some people feel that they do not need to clean fruits or vegetables that have an outer layer that you don't eat. For example: cantaloupe, oranges, and avocados. All three of these have outer shells that you do not ingest. Because these are thrown away, rather than eaten, people think that you don't need to wash the outside layer. On the contrary though, you still do need to wash these just as much as those that you do ingest like tomatoes or apples because as you cut through the outside, whatever bacteria is on this layer gets transferred into the part that is eaten, contamination your food. Make sure you wash all of the fresh vegetables and fruits you get, regardless of where you get them from.

Now on to the methods of cleaning. Choose from vinegar/lemon and water mix, soap and water, or baking soda and water. All three of these you want to use in the same way. The best is filling up a spray bottle with the mixture and spray on the item that you're cleaning. Soak it with your cleaning mixture, and then wipe off or rinse off. If you prefer, you can try using all three on different food pieces to see which you end up preferring and then stick with that one. You might not like the idea of putting dish soap on food, so try the vinegar, or if you feel that the vinegar taste/smell stays on the food after you're done cleaning it, try the baking soda. There's no right or wrong way, just which way you feel best cleans your food.

Some people prefer to just soak their vegetables or fruit within a mixture of water and vinegar for a period of time. This is a simple way that allows you to clean your food while doing another task and coming back. Simply fill up a bowl, or your sink (after cleaning it thoroughly), with 1 cup of vinegar and let sit for approximately 10 minutes (or 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar). Simply using vinegar rather than a combination of vinegar and lemon juice won't do quite as well as lemon juice is acidic and helps clean more. However, soaking your food does work as a way to clean.

Any of these ways are great ways to clean your fresh fruit or vegetables. At this point it comes down to time available, preference, and type of food you're cleaning. Regardless to the type of cleaning method you select, you need to be sure to clean the foods you are serving or eating. It is an important step that should never be overlooked.