Want cleaner veggies without chemicals? Use salt, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, or besan. These simple kitchen staples naturally remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticides, keeping your food fresh. Tap to read!
Salt
Saltwater is greatly known to help remove pesticide residues and surface-attached microbes. Therefore, one should soak their produce in salty water for 10-15 minutes.
Lemon Juice
These help in the disintegration of foul bacterial growth and also contain citric acid. There are lemon juices which help to penetrate the waxy protective coats of vegetables.
White Vinegar
All-natural power cleaner. Vinegar uproots bacteria and pesticides. Soak in water at a 1:3 ratio-to-soak.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline, loosening dirt and neutralising chemicals. If you are soaking or gently scrubbing with it can be used on veggies.
Turmeric
Turmeric may help cleanse leafy greens and herbs when added to water, known for its antimicrobial properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV kills bacteria and moulds. Use a tablespoon in the bowl of water to safely clean your produce.
Besan (Gram Flour)
Very conventional and Indian, the usage of besan to scrub dirt off most fresh fruit and vegetables. This is highly applicable for green leafy vegetables and even root vegetables.
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance only. Always wash produce thoroughly and consult a health professional if you have concerns about allergies or sensitivities to any ingredients mentioned.