master-cooks | Should You Be Cleaning Produce With Baking Soda?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a popular household item known for its versatile cleaning properties. When it comes to cleaning produce, using baking soda is considered a safe and effective method to remove dirt, pesticides, and other residues. Research suggests that a baking soda solution can help break down and neutralize certain pesticide residues better than just water or commercial produce washes. To clean produce with baking soda, fill a bowl with water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda, then soak the fruits or vegetables for about 12 to 15 minutes. After soaking, gently scrub the produce with your hands or a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly under running water. This method is especially beneficial for produce with thicker skins, like apples and cucumbers, which may have more pesticide residues. However, for porous or delicate items like berries, a gentle rinse with cold water is often sufficient. It's important to note that while baking soda can help reduce surface contaminants, it does not make produce completely free of bacteria or pesticides. Regular washing is a crucial step in maintaining food safety and ensuring that your fruits and vegetables are as clean as possible before consumption.

Cleaning fresh produce with baking soda

If you're looking for an extra layer of safety, consider cleaning your fruits and vegetables with baking soda. Simply fill a clean bowl with cold water and mix in a teaspoon of baking soda for every two cups of water. If you prefer to use your sink, ensure it’s thoroughly sanitized and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda. To avoid damaging delicate produce, soak fruits and vegetables for just 12 to 15 minutes. For thicker-skinned items like potatoes, melons, and apples, you can gently scrub them with a vegetable brush, such as Zemozen's or OXO's, while delicate items can be rubbed gently with your fingers under running water.

However, contrary to the advice Rachael Ray once offered, it's best to wash produce right before you plan to use it. Washing can introduce moisture that promotes bacterial growth. Also, ensure that anything that will touch your cleaned fruits and vegetables, like a drying towel, is clean as well. Cross-contamination is a serious concern, and placing your clean produce on a dirty countertop undermines the purpose of washing it in the first place.

Should You Be Cleaning Produce With Baking Soda?

Cleaning fresh produce with baking soda

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