We all love enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables, but it's no secret that they can harbor unwanted pesticides. Washing your produce is essential, but with so many methods out there, it can be confusing to know what works best. Two popular contenders are baking soda and vinegar – both natural cleaning powerhouses. But which one comes out on top for truly clean produce? Let's dive into the science!
The Science-Backed Winner
Drumroll, please... it's baking soda! Research has shown that baking soda is more effective at removing pesticide residue from your favorite fruits and veggies compared to vinegar. Why? Baking soda creates an alkaline environment that helps break down those pesky chemicals, leaving your produce cleaner and safer to eat.
How to Use Baking Soda for Sparkling Produce
- The Soak: Fill a bowl with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- The Dip: Submerge your produce in the baking soda solution and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- The Scrub (Optional): For firm produce like apples or carrots, give them a gentle scrub with a produce brush to help dislodge any stubborn impurities.
- The Rinse: Rinse your produce thoroughly under clean running water to remove any lingering baking soda residue.
Rooted Regimen Pro Tip: Double Down on Clean
Want to take your produce cleaning to the next level? We've got a secret weapon! For soiled or dirty hard-skinned produce (e.g. potatoes) before your baking soda soak, give your produce spray and rinse with our all-natural all-purpose cleaner. This will help remove any lingering dirt and debris, allowing the baking soda to work its magic on those pesticides. Our cleaner is made with the same safe ingredients you find in your favorite veggie washes, so you can feel good about using it on your food.
Produce That Benefits Most from a Baking Soda Wash
While baking soda can be used on various types of produce, it's particularly beneficial for those known to have higher pesticide residues. These often include:
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Pears
Happy Cleaning (and Eating!)
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of baking soda's cleaning power (and Rooted Regimen's supporting role), you can enjoy your fresh produce with confidence!
Source:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pesticide-reduction-by-washing-with-a-water-b-10-of-sodium-bicarbonate-c-10-of-vinegar-fig2-282206144