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Going to the farmer’s market is legit one of my favorite pass times. ESPECIALLY, the International Farmers Market in Decatur, GA. After relocating to North Carolina from Atlanta (and D.C.), I realized how spoiled I was with their expansive selection of fresh, exotic fruits and veggies. I miss it so much! …Let’s just say, all farmer’s markets are NOT created equal.
BUT that’s not what this post is about, although I want to give a HUGE shout-out to The Black Farmer’s Market for introducing me to Black August In The Park and all of the Black-owned farms in North Carolina. I’m really into the whole ‘farm-to-table’ movement nowadays and cutting out the middle man, but again, that’s not what this post is about…
I want to talk about CLEANING your produce properly once you get it home. Because everyone has this ongoing debate about cleaning your meat (which I do) before it’s cooked, but completely ignores the fact that produce is handled, shipped, and even treated with chemicals to look more appealing in the produce section.
And once I show you what’s left at the bottom of the bowl after you do a good fruit and veggie soak, you’ll never do another “rinsy-rinse” under the faucet EVER again.
Since produce passes through many different hands and environments before it ends up in our shopping carts, germs, and pesticides become a primary concern. And the importance of cleaning one’s produce becomes that much more of a priority.
Here is an easy inexpensive method I use to clean my produce and ensure I’m serving not only healthy but CLEAN fruits and vegetables to my family.
You’ll need:
- Apple Cider Vinegar OR White Vinegar ( I personally mix them, but one or the other will suffice.)
- A thoroughly clean sink or a big bowl
- Water
- Fruits & Veggies
Pour vinegar until it barely submerges the produce, then add water until the fruits and veggies are fully submerged. Stir around a couple of times and then soak for about 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water in a strainer and dry with paper towels. (* It’s really important to dry the fruit completely because access water can lead to premature spoiling.)
And here’s what was left once they’ve soaked for 10 minutes…
…those were some dirty a** strawberries (lol)
And this is why I thoroughly clean ALL my produce. The vinegar acts as a disinfectant, killing bacteria and some viruses. And yes, some of this is from the seeds on the strawberry’s exterior, but you can also see the excess soil sediments too.
Hopefully, this has been helpful and you’ll incorporate a cleaning regime for all your produce from here on out. They’re a few other methods out there too, but this is the one I like best. But with any method you choose, you’ll be making a healthy executive decision for you and your household.
Happy Cleaning!
