PRODUCE WASH
You know it is fall when apple-picking season commences. There is such an assortment of delicious desserts one can whip up with a bushel of apples, such as apple crisps, apple coffee cakes, apple crumbles, apple pies, and then delight in some apple cider to wash it all down!
If you and your family love to pick apples, as so many do, there is one thing you should be mindful of. Every year, the Environmental Working Group (also known as the EWG) releases a shoppers guide to pesticides and produce called the Dirty Dozen™, which is based on the United States Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program. It lists the top 12 fruits and vegetables that farmers characteristically use the most pesticides on; number five on the list: apples.
This information should certainly not stop you from partaking in a lovely autumn tradition, it is simply important to be conscious of the potentially toxic compounds we may be bringing into our homes and consuming on our foods. Fortunately, there is a relatively effortless solution that may rid your freshly picked harvest of unwanted chemicals: wash your produce. Life gets even better because a natural DIY produce wash is beyond easy to make. You only need three ingredients: distilled water, white vinegar, and lemon juice (the lemon juice is optional).
MAKING A PRODUCE WASH
Using a funnel, pour 3 cups of distilled water and 1 cup of white vinegar into a sterilized glass spray bottle. Add in 1 tablespoon of fresh organic lemon juice (this is optional). Place the lid on the bottle and gently shake to thoroughly combine. Label your produce wash with the contents and the date of creation, and store in the refrigerator.
For your reference, here is the 2022 Dirty Dozen™ listing the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residuum:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, Collards and Mustard Greens
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Bell and Hot Peppers
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Celery
Tomatoes
UNDERSTANDING THE INGREDIENTS
DISTILLED WATER
With many homemade recipes that require water, distilled water is often recommended. Distilled water is water that has been purified through a specific undertaking, known as distillation. This process eliminates contaminants from the water, inclusive of inorganic minerals and heavy metals. It also decreases the risk of bacteria introduction into your recipe, extending the shelf life of your product. If you plan on making the produce wash on a regular basis, tap water will suffice. But if you imagine that the produce wash will last you 1 to 2 weeks, I suggest sticking with distilled water.
WHITE VINEGAR
Composed of 5% acetic acid, white vinegar is acidic in nature. The acidity is what gives vinegar its bacteria and fungi fighting powers. It can be employed to clean most surfaces around your home and utilized to remove the buildup of pesticides and other microorganisms lingering on your produce.
LEMON JUICE
Fresh lemon juice is completely optional, but it does add a bit more acidic action to the recipe. The higher the acid content in the solution, the more cleaning capabilities it has. However, when you add fresh lemon juice to the mix, you must refrigerator the produce wash to keep it from spoiling.
DIY PRODUCE WASH
Ingredients
3 cups distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Materials
funnel
spray bottle
Instructions
Using a funnel, pour distilled water and white vinegar into a sterilized glass spray bottle.
Add in lemon juice (this is optional).
Place the lid on the bottle and gently shake to thoroughly combine.
Label your produce wash and store in the refrigerator.
How to Use
Place your produce in a colander. Spray your produce wash on the fruits and vegetables until they are fully saturated. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the produce with cold water. As you rinse, use your hands to gently wipe the produce. Allow it to dry and store as required.
