Keeping your fruit fresh, safe, and ready to eat doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, one of the easiest ways to clean fruit is with something you probably have in your pantry: baking soda. Simple, gentle, and effective, its natural method has been relied on for years to rinse away first, debris, and residues without harsh chemicals.
If you’re curious how to clean fruit with baking soda or wondering if you should add vinegar to the mix, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Why Baking Soda Works
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is mildly alkaline, which helps loosen and lift away particles from the surface of your fruit. It’s also non-abrasive and easy to use. It’s an excellent everyday method to help give your fruit an extra-clean rinse.
How to Clean Fruit With Baking Soda: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Start With Cool, Running Water
Before anything else, rinse your fruit under cool water to remove visible dirt or debris. This initial rinse helps the baking soda work more effectively.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda
Fill a clean bowl with cool water and sprinkle in about one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water. There’s no need for exact precision as the mixture simply needs enough baking soda to create a mild alkaline bath
Step 3: Soak Your Fruit
Submerge your fruit in the baking soda water for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen any remaining residue on the skin. It’s especially helpful for berries, apples, grapes, and other fruits with smooth exteriors.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking, rinse each piece of fruit under running water to wash away both the baking soda and anything it lifted. Pat dry with a clean towel or let them air dry.
Can You Use Baking Soda & Vinegar Together?
You may be wondering if you can clean fruit with baking soda and vinegar, but this combination isn’t ideal for cleaning fruit. The reason is that baking soda is alkaline and vinegar is acidic. When combined, they neutralize each other and create a fizzy reaction that’s satisfying to watch, but not particularly effective for cleaning produce. Each ingredient works well on its own, but using both together cancels out the benefits. If you prefer to use vinegar for cleaning fruit, use it separately, but not in the same bowl as baking soda.
How To Use Vinegar To Clean Fruit
Here’s a simple method:
- Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water in a bowl.
- Add fruit and soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove any vinegar taste or smell.
Vinegar is especially helpful for fruits with grooves or textured skins.
Tips For Cleaning Berries
Blueberries
Blueberries hold up well in water, but they can trap debris around the stem area. Let them soak gently in the baking soda mixture, swish them around with your hands, and then rinse under cool water. Pat them completely dry on a clean towel to prevent moisture from causing softness or mold.
Raspberries
Raspberries are delicate and can break apart easily, so avoid soaking them for too long. A brief dip in baking soda water (just a few minutes) is enough. Lift them out with your hands instead of pouring through a strainer to prevent squishing, then set them on a towel to air dry.
Blackberries
Blackberries tend to hold tiny bits of debris in their grooves. A short soak helps loosen anything caught in between them. Give them a gentle swish in the water, rinse carefully, and pat them dry without applying pressure.
Keeping Fruit Fresh After Washing
After cleaning, make sure the fruit is fully dry before storing. Moisture encourages mold, especially on berries. Store washed fruit in breathable containers or lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
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Clean Berries, Ready For Every Bite
Cleaning your fruit doesn’t need anything fancy. Whether you use a soak for everyday cleaning or a vinegar rinse from time to time, these simple methods help keep your fruit fresh and ready to enjoy.
And when you’re ready to wash and enjoy berries that are fresh, flavorful, and ready to eat, grab some Berry Fresh Berries at a store near you.
