Moving towards a plant based vegan diet, the health and quality of our produce is at the top of mind. Fresh fruit and vegetables are delicious, nutritious, and an essential part of a balanced diet. However, they also carry dirt, bacteria, pesticides, and even mold spores that can accelerate spoilage. Washing your produce properly is crucial to ensure food safety and extend its shelf life. One of the best and most natural ways to clean your fruits and berries is by using a distilled vinegar and water solution.

Why Use Distilled Vinegar to Wash Your Fruit and Vegetables?

1. Removes Pesticides and Chemicals
   Many conventionally grown fruits are sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and wax coatings to maintain freshness. Even organic fresh produce can have residues from the environment. Vinegar helps break down these unwanted chemicals, making your fruits and vegetables safer to eat.

2. Kills Bacteria and Mold Spores
   Vegetables and Fruits, especially berries, are susceptible to mold and bacterial contamination, which can lead to food borne illnesses. Studies have shown that vinegar’s natural acidity effectively reduces bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, keeping your produce safer.

3. Extends Freshness
   Washing your fruit and vegetables with vinegar can slow down mold growth, helping especially berries stay fresh for up to a week longer than if they were just rinsed with water. This is especially beneficial for delicate fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries that tend to spoil quickly.

4. Cost-Effective and Natural
   Vinegar is an inexpensive, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternative to commercial produce washes. It’s a simple pantry staple that works wonders in cleaning your fruit without any synthetic chemicals. We stock up on distilled vinegar at Costco making it especially cost effective.

5. Removes Dirt and Debris
   Fruits and vegetables, especially those from farmers’ markets or home gardens, often have dirt or tiny insects on them. A vinegar soak can help dislodge dirt and wash away any lingering pests.

How to Wash Your Berries and Fruit with Vinegar and Water

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 3 cups cold water

• A large bowl or salad spinner

• A colander or strainer

• A clean kitchen towel or paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
   In a large bowl, mix one part distilled vinegar with three parts water. This 1:3 ratio is strong enough to kill bacteria and mold spores while still being gentle on delicate fruits. and vegetables

2. Soak the Fruit
   Place your berries or fruit into the vinegar-water solution. Let them soak for about 5 to 10 minutes. Swirl the fruit around gently to dislodge dirt and debris.

3. Rinse Thoroughly
   After soaking, drain the fruit/vegetables in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cool running water to remove any remaining vinegar taste.

4. Dry the Fruit
   Spread the fruit and vegetables out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat dry gently or allow them to air dry completely before storing them. For berries, using a salad spinner with a soft cloth inside can help remove excess moisture without damaging them.

5. Store Properly
   Once dry, transfer the fruit to a clean glass container lined with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture. Store in the refrigerator for best freshness.

Extra Tips for Best Results:

• Do Not Soak for Too Long: Prolonged soaking can make some berries mushy. Stick to the 5-10 minute guideline.

• Use Cold Water: Warm water can speed up spoilage.

• Wash Before Storing or Just Before Eating?: Washing before storage works best for hardier fruits like apples and grapes. For delicate berries, it’s often best to wash just before eating to prevent early spoilage.

• Try Apple Cider Vinegar: While distilled white vinegar is most common, apple cider vinegar can also work well and add a slight sweetness to the fruit.

By adopting this simple vinegar wash method, you can enjoy fresher, cleaner, and safer fruit. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your health and reduce food waste. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!