We all love to eat healthy, or at least try to.
Do you clean your fruits and veggies after you bring them home?
Pesticides and germs can cause more harm than good to our bodies.
Meats and vegetables carry many bacteria from being handled.
Romaine lettuce, melons and cucumbers have been found with E. coli and salmonella.
Symptoms of food contamination include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever and dehydration.
Avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, onions, frozen sweet peas, papayas, asparagus, mangoes, eggplant, honeydew, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli are on a “clean” list.
These are least likely to be contaminated with pesticides, chemicals used to ward off insects and other pests.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends you wash all produce under cold water for 1-2 minutes before consuming. You may also use a mixture of water with baking soda or vinegar.
Make sure to wash your hands, too.
For veggies with tougher skins, gently scrub the surface to prevent cracking. Cracking can allow pesticides to enter the produce.
Dry with clean dish towel or paper towel.
If you like a natural approach, try this mixture for cleaning produce:
 • 5 drops grapefruit oil
 • 5 drops lemon oil
 • 2/3 distilled water
 • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Add ingredients to 8 oz spray bottle and shake to mix.
To use, shake well & spray on produce in a bowl, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse & air dry.
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