Tips for cleaning fruits & vegetables for juicing

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Local grocery stores bring variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. Nutrients in fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy diet. However, harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where produce grows may come in interact with the fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. In addition, fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during handling and storage.

However, experts say that the skin of most fruits contain a lot of important nutrients that we need. This fact is also accepted for many vegetables too. Experts even recommend leaving the skin of some fruits and vegetables for serving.

As fruits and vegetables are regularly for juicing and eaten raw, there is no chance to destroy any harmful bacteria through the process of cooking. Realizing that many of the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables are potentially washed away once we rinse or peel off the skin, we need to know how to wash them properly to reduce the risks of serious illnesses such as Salmonella.

It is easy to protect yourself and your family from illness by following these cleaning fruits and vegetables for juicing tips:

1) Wash with Clean Water

The best way to wash fruits and vegetables is to use clean water. Simply rinse the fruit or vegetable thoroughly with clean running water. In some cases, you have to soak them for a few minutes to remove as many contaminants as possible before rinse them thoroughly with clean running water.

2) Brushes

Use vegetable brush to scrub vegetables and fruit skin such as citrus fruits, melon and potatoes under running water, to get rid of as many soil particles before cutting them.

Do not use vegetable brush for fruits and vegetables with smooth, shiny skins such as tomatoes and nectarines. You just have to hold them under running water and gently rub their surfaces with your fingers. If the fruit or vegetable is fragile such grapes and raspberries, put them in a colander and gently spray with water.

3) Pesticides?

Do not use soap to wash fruits and vegetables to destroy pesticides because it is not intended for use with food. Soap will leave toxic residue, which you will then ingest. You could wash your fruits and vegetables in a solution of 3 tablespoons vinegar in a quart of water or a weak salt solution of 4 teaspoons salt in a gallon of water.

However, it is enough by making sure that you wash your fruit and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consuming them or cooking with them. Many pesticides are water-soluble and will come off if the produce is rinsed or soaked in water.

Besides, try to buy organic product or seasonal and local fruits vegetables, as longer storage and shipping distances will mean more use of pesticides.

Lastly, remember to wash fruits and vegetables just before you plan to eat or cook them. This is important because clean product can still grow mould and bacteria during storage in the fridge or pantry.