With Corona dancing like a dagger on our heads, it is important to maintain hygiene and remain clean. Here is a total do and don’t(s) list while washing your vegetables clean.
1. Soaps or detergents can be dangerous:
To ensure proper cleanliness, some people resort to unusual practices like washing the vegetables or fruits in soaps and detergents. Well, this is not at all safe. It is quite dangerous as there are various strong chemicals used in them to produce pungent fragrance. Most people do try to rub off the detergent or soap, but no matter how hard they try, there is a little residue that might get stuck to these perishable edibles that have a very thin porous skin. Ingesting such residue can result in gastrointestinal distress and may also result in long term harmful implications.
2. Warm water to your aid:
To start with, wash your fruits and vegetables in running water for 4-5 minutes. Next, take a large utensil or container like your dough kneading plate and pour Luke-warm water into it. Soak the washed fruits and vegetables in it for a good 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, you can store them in the refrigerator and use them as and when you want.
3. Power couple (Baking soda & Vinegar):
One of the most effective methods is to prepare a solution by taking equal parts of baking powder and vinegar in a large utensil and fill it with hot water. Stir well and immerse your fruits and vegetables into this solution for a solid time period of 20-30 minutes. Wash them in running water after soaking. This will kill most of the germs present on your fruits and vegetables effectively. When they are air-dried, you can stack them in your refrigerator or use them right away.
4. Salt, turmeric and vinegar solution:
Take equal quantities of salt, turmeric and vinegar and mix them in Luke-warm water. Add this solution in a large utensil and soak all your fruits and vegetables in it for a good 30-40 minutes. You can also squeeze half a lemon in this solution. Once done, wash them with normal water and dry and use. This solution is a good way to rid of most germs.
5. Scrub wash:
For vegetables like carrots and potatoes, you can use the option of scrub wash. For this you will have to use any scrubber and wash such vegetables and fruits well under a running tap. Then you can soak them in cold water for about a minute or two. Dry them off and use afterwards.
6. Cleaning leafy greens veggies:
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For cleaning leafy greens, it is best to wash them in running water first. Then place them in a large bowl of ice-cold water to which salt has been added. This will ensure that your veggies are sanitized as well as have a longer shelf life.
