How to Clean Your Vegetables

Food-borne illness derived from contaminated produce is the largest source of food poisoning.

Susan Sumner, a food scientist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, developed an effective disinfecting procedure using white vinegar (or cider vinegar) and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the same as found at the drugstore). These ingredients are completely non-toxic and inexpensive and work not only on fruit and vegetables but can be used to sanitize counters and preparation surfaces, including wooden cutting boards, as well.

Here are the very simple directions for using these ingredients effectively:

After you put the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide into individual spray bottles:

1. Spray your produce or work surface thoroughly first with vinegar and then with hydrogen peroxide.

2. Then rinse the produce under running water or wipe the surface with a clean wet sponge.

Read more: Food, Green Kitchen Tips

Adapted from Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality & Long-Term Health, by Frank Lipman, M.D. (Jeremy Tarcher, Putnam, 2003). Copyright (c) 2003 by Frank Lipman. Reprinted by permission of the author.
Adapted from Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality & Long-Term Health, by Frank Lipman, M.D. (Jeremy Tarcher, Putnam, 2003).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Dharma B.

3:05AM PST on Dec 1, 2011

Thanks for the wonderful ideas

send a green star

Jane W.

6:31PM PDT on Aug 13, 2011

thnx

Rebecca N.

11:29AM PDT on Jun 18, 2011

Wonderful idea! I didn't realize you could use either of these products to clean produce. I will definitely start doing this for the safety and health of my family. Thank you!

Carole L B.

1:28PM PST on Jan 31, 2011

Exactly what I was looking for -- thanks.

Tracy S.

2:13PM PST on Nov 27, 2010

Won't white vinegar be enough to disinfect produce? I use half white vinegar, half water to clean my house and it has been great.

chiari l.

12:42PM PST on Nov 23, 2010

thanks so much!

David M.

12:16PM PST on Nov 23, 2010

Thanks