Fresh Isn’t Always Clean: The Truth About Your Fruits & Veggies

Have you noticed a troubling increase in food safety recalls? In 2024, more than 1,900 food products were recalled. This trend highlights an important takeaway: washing your fruits and vegetables is a simple yet essential step—especially when consuming them raw.

Let’s explore why rinsing your produce matters, not just for cleanliness, but for general wellness. We’ll also dive into best practices for properly washing different types of produce.

Why Should You Wash Your Produce?

A few years ago, experts emphasized that water and friction were the most effective ways to clean produce. And while they do remove visible dirt and some surface contaminants, they may not be enough for all types of fruits and vegetables—especially delicate items you eat raw.

Even trace amounts of unwanted residue can impact your well-being. Delicate items can't always be scrubbed, which is why using thorough but gentle techniques is important.

Here are three key reasons to wash your produce thoroughly:

1. To Remove Dirt, Sand, and Soil

Produce can carry dirt or sand from the fields where it was grown. Washing in cool water helps remove these particles and gives you peace of mind—especially when you’re not sure of the growing conditions.

2. To Reduce Pesticide Residues

Some conventionally grown produce may carry residues from pesticides used during cultivation. Rinsing produce can help reduce the surface presence of these substances. When possible, opt for organic or naturally grown items, or consult the Environmental Working Group’s “Clean Fifteen” list for produce that typically contains lower levels of pesticide residue.

3. To Clean Potential Contaminants

Fruits and vegetables can be exposed to various natural organisms and contaminants during growing, shipping, and handling. Even thick-skinned produce like melons or avocados can carry unwanted materials on the outside that may be transferred inside during cutting. A thorough rinse before eating or prepping helps minimize potential exposure to common environmental elements.

To support general wellness, we offer a natural protocol designed to complement your body’s detox and digestive function. Our cleanse kit includes the WP Detox formula, featuring Organic Wormwood Leaf, Sage Leaf, and Butternut Bark, traditionally used to support internal balance. It also contains our BCT Oil, which includes essential oils that assist with digestive wellness. The kit comes with a guide to help you follow the schedule effectively.*

The Best Ways to Wash Produce

Different types of produce require different cleaning methods. Whether your produce is organic or not, here are safe and effective ways to wash fruits and vegetables to remove dirt, surface residues, and more.

Washing Instructions:

For firm-skinned produce (e.g., avocados, melons, citrus fruits, squash, cucumbers, apples):

• Spray with a natural all-purpose produce wash or use a foaming fruit wash.
• Gently scrub and rinse under cool water.

For produce that will be cooked:

• Rinse thoroughly and lightly scrub under water before cooking.

Soaking Instructions:

For fruits and vegetables with firm skin:

1. Rinse to remove loose debris.
2. Soak in a bowl of water with ¼ cup vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for 3–5 minutes.
3. Rinse again with cool water before eating, cooking, or storing.

For leafy greens, berries, and delicate fruits:

• Soak gently in water, rinse with clean water, and cook if needed.
• For raw consumption, add ¼ cup distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to soaking water and soak for 3–5 minutes.
• Rinse again and store or consume.

Taking these steps is a simple and effective way to support safe and mindful consumption. For added support, consider seasonal internal cleansing as part of your overall wellness plan.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.