Redheaded Jill

Have you heard of the dirty dozen in produce? This is a list of the most pesticide heavy conventionally grown food. When buying produce it’s a good idea to opt for non-gmo organic options.

• strawberries
• spinach
• kale
• grapes
• pears
• peaches
• nectarines
• apples
• peppers
• cherries
• blueberries
• green beans

What do these foods have in common? They are directly sprayed, what you eat is the part touched by chemicals. (Meanwhile produce like coconuts have a thick skin/husk that protects the flesh and is less likely to be contaminated.)

What can we do when we want a cleaner option but can’t find/afford one? Well, there are other ways to clean your produce.

Step 1: Rinse with cold running water

Step 2: Soak in a solution of baking soda (1-2 tsp per 2 cups of water) and soak for 5-15 minutes. OR 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and soak 2-3 minutes. OR soak in a salt water solution (I have seen this draw bugs out of strawberries… eek!)

Step 3: (When applicable) peel the fruit

It might be beneficial to scrub the produce with a soft brush or use commercial produce wash.Washing produce is recommended even if they are not in the dirty dozen list.

Now… HOW to store produce so that it lasts longer… that will be my next google search.