Several weeks ago I was talking to my mom on the phone and she shared with me a couple of vegetable and fruit washes that you can make at home that are not only chemical free, but CHEAP.  She and my dad are at the OKC/OSU Farmer’s Market each week, and picked the recipes up from a friend there.  I have this “thing” about washing everything, organic or not, and have been using a product from the grocery store called “Fit”.  The following sounds easy and I’m sure is much cheaper. The other tip I might throw out there is that many stores sell colander/strainers that fit across your sink with adjustable arms.  If you eat fruit & veggies like we do, you will wonder how you lived without this tool once you get one!  Let me know if you try it!

Vegetable-Fruit Wash Recipes …NO Chemicals!

SPRAY

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 cup water

For the spray; put all ingredients into bottle (these will foam up, so be careful!) shake gently to mix; then spray on vegetables or fruit. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes then rinse with cold water.

SOAK

1/4 cup vinegar

2 tablespoons salt

Fill a clean sink or a large bowl with cold water; add in vinegar and salt, then stir with hands. Place the fruit or vegetables in the mixture and allow to sit for 25-30 minutes. Vinegar and salt should draw out any bugs or dirt and also help remove wax. (If you garden and have broccoli, greens, etc, to clean, this would work well!) Rinse under cold water and dry.

{This colander is by Kitchenaide, but there are many different ones on the market.}

Now go eat your veggies!