What is the best way to wash produce?

RE: What is the best way to wash produce? Post by hsorbits (31) | (10/19/2006) Profile | Contact Why on earth would you want to wash food in soap??? Even the vinegar would change the natural flavor of the fruits and vegetables.. The most exotic thing I add to cool or tepid water is salt. This is best for things like leeks and cabbage and loose greens like collards. These foods seem to collect sand and dirt particles between the layers so must be washed thoroughly before cooking. Always rinse completely. RE: What is the best way to wash produce? Post By Lynda (Guest Post) (10/18/2006) Before I purchase them, I always check that they are not limp or have a single sign of black wilt (which spreads with moisture), fingernail marks or pierced/bruised skins or defects/pest holes. I have noticed that any of these can bring about rapid decay. I try not to buy fresh during flu season, but I do buy lots of fresh frozen things until May 15th when flu season seems to have passed here. When I buy them, I keep a quart bottle full of 1/3 tsp.liq. dish (mild soap/water by the kitchen sink for all fruits/veggies, which really works just fine. No need to buy the expensive "wash". For washing herbs, I just cut them no longer than a bowl is wide and dip in a bowlful of the soap/water mix and rinse well watching the dirt/debris float to the surface, pouring it off and rewashing again. I make certain they are dry before placing in fridge. I seldom have anything left over to toss, but when I do, I am careful to do it fast, inspecting fruits/veggies every other day for any signs of over-ripening to prevent it from contaminating the rest. It works for me. Good luck and hope this helps someone. God bless you and remind you to check the fridge often. : ) RE: What is the best way to wash produce? Post by mef1957 (225) | (10/18/2006) Profile | Blog! | Contact http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_ ... store_prod/0,2677,FOOD_22199,00.html RE: What is the best way to wash produce? Post by Jenns4x4pu (9) | (10/18/2006) Contact I soak it in vinegar for a couple min. then rinse well with water... I keep the vinegar for cleaning counters and in laundry. Works good for grapes!