Eco-friendly products for washing fruits and vegetables

Eating fruits and vegetables is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle due to their beneficial properties, which boost our immune system and reduce the risk of disease. However, as these foods are often consumed raw, they need to be washed properly before consumption. This recommendation holds true even when we intend to cook them, as washing fruits and vegetables significantly reduces dirt, pesticides and potentially harmful bacteria.

In this article, we are going to explore the Best eco-friendly products for washing fruits and vegetables, maximizing both hygiene and respect for the environment.

Why is it important to wash and disinfect fruits and vegetables?

From the cultivation stage to the moment they reach our plates, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated in various ways. Throughout their shelf life, they go through different stages of conservation, transport and handling in which they are exposed to contaminants such as soil particles, pesticides and chemicals. This poses a risk to our health if we do not mitigate it with proper cleaning.

Washing fruits and vegetables with water may be enough to remove some impurities, but the incorporation of natural products, such as lemon or vinegar, can greatly improve the disinfection process. These eco-friendly ingredients not only kill bacteria, but are also safe and accessible in most homes.

How to disinfect fruits and vegetables in an ecological way

Cleaning fruits and vegetables should be a meticulous and simple process. Below, we provide a detailed guide to disinfecting these foods in an eco-friendly way:

• Wash your hands well before handling any food.This step is essential to avoid cross contamination while preparing fruits and vegetables.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before cutting or peeling them.Although the outer skin or peel acts as a protective barrier, when you cut it, bacteria can penetrate the edible part if you have not washed it beforehand.
• If the fruits or vegetables are visibly dirty, Wash them under running water for at least two minutes.If the dirt is persistent, use a special brush or sponge to gently scrub, always avoiding the use of soap.
• Remove the outer leaves fruits and vegetables such as lettuce or cabbage, as they are usually the most contaminated. This also reduces the risk of transfer of pesticides and pathogens to other parts of the food.
• If you are going to cut or cook immediately after washing, be sure to clean kitchen utensils to avoid cross contamination.

The best organic products for washing fruits and vegetables

There are multiple options for natural products to ensure safe and ecological cleaning of fruits and vegetables. Here are the most recommended products:

Bicarbonate of soda

Baking soda stands out as one of the most effective and accessible products for disinfecting fruits and vegetables. Apart from its use in baking or as a remedy for health problems, it is also an excellent disinfectant agent for food.

How to use it: Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a liter of water. Soak the fruits or vegetables in this solution for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse them with fresh water before eating.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another of the most effective natural ingredients for disinfecting due to its antimicrobial propertiesIts frequent use in the kitchen, in addition to its low cost, make it an excellent ally for cleaning food.

How to use it: Dilute a glass of vinegar in a litre of water. Soak the fruit or vegetables in it for 10 minutes and rinse them well. If you wish, you can also spray the solution directly onto the food instead of submerging it.

Lemon

Lemon is rich in citric acid, which makes it a powerful natural disinfectant. Combined with vinegar, it can effectively eradicate pathogens present on fruits and vegetables.

How to use it: Mix one part vinegar and one part lemon juice with three parts water. Let the food soak for about 10 minutes, rinse well with cold water and dry with a clean cloth.

Hydrogen peroxide (Hydrogen peroxide)

El hydrogen peroxide It is another disinfectant widely used to clean certain types of vegetables and prevent the growth of fungi. However, due to its toxicity in high quantities, it is essential to dilute it correctly and rinse the food well after use.

How to use it: Dilute 10 ml of hydrogen peroxide in 250 ml of water. Clean the outer surface of the food with this solution, then rinse thoroughly before cooking or eating.

Dangers of not washing fruits and vegetables properly

Failure to properly wash fruits and vegetables can have significant health consequences. Although pesticides are regulated, it is common for residues to remain on the surface of foods. Consuming these residues can have adverse effects, especially in the long term.

In addition, fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella o ListeriaThese microorganisms are capable of causing serious foodborne infections that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever and general malaise. Proper washing and disinfection are essential to avoid these risks.

Luckily, with the organic products we have mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your fruits and vegetables are clean, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, taking care of your health and also the planet.