Question: Hi there, I am looking for a homemade spray for vegetables to remove pesticides etc. I heard that vinegar and water are good for this, is this correct? If so, would you know how much vinegar to water? Are there other sprays to wash veggies with that I can make myself?

Answer: Great question! Since many of the pesticides are sprayed on with waxy substances, removing them is tough. You may not get it all off, but you can reduce it with one of the following ideas:

• SCRUB: Dampen the produce. Shake baking soda on it and rub all surfaces with your hands. Rinse well.
• SOAK: Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white distilled vinegar. Let the produce soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well. (Never soak mushrooms since they absorb water).
• SPRAY: Mix 1 T. lemon juice, 1 cup water and 2 T. baking soda in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray on produce and let sit a few minutes. Rinse well.
• WASH: Consumer Reports suggests scrubbing the produce with a drop of Palmolive Dish Detergent and then rinsing well.TIP: Don't wash produce before storing them. This accelerates rot. Wash before eating/cooking.

Copyright 2005 © by Jonni McCoy