Vegetable washes

[funnybone]

Has anyone tried those vegetable washes that are out on the market - I believe "FIT" is one of them. Do you buy them regularly, and do you think they really are beneficial? I have yet to try them, but have been thinking of doing so lately.

[Leslie w]

I think they're overpriced and are a typical example of America's obsession with bacteria and germs. Antibacteria soaps are not good for you because of the resistant bacterial strains which can develop from using them. I don't think its necessary to need these veggie washes either. Simply washes veggies and fruit w/ water or in some cases, like the outside of melons, with mild soap and water should suffice. People w/ healthy immune systems should not need anything more.

[Grace]

I agree with Leslie for the most part. But when it comes to the pesticides and waxes they put on our fruits and vegetables, those won't come off with just water. Pesticides are designed to stay on even when it rains, so why would a quick rinse under running water take them off?

The washes have special chelating ingredients that break down those residues and waxes, allowing them to be washed off.

I use them when I remember to (!), usually when something is exceptionally waxy, and also on fresh broccoli which is hard to clean and is known for being heavily sprayed with pesticides.

But again, I agree with Leslie - if it's dirt and bacteria you're worried about, you don't need the sprays. And I also agree that mild soap and water can substitute just fine most of the time.

[Tiger]

I do use them. I find it easy. I just rinse the veggies, spray, let it sit, and rinse again.
I'm in the medical field so I do look at things differently. I've seen such an increase in cancer I have to believe it's what we put into our bodies. To bring anything back to a more natural state is a good idea. I also have a 4yr old. What their little bodies can handle is different then what adults can. Just an opinion!

[emilycat]

I'm going to have to ditto what Leslie said here...then again, this is coming from someone who routinely uses the five-second rule... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

[funnybone]

Thanks for your responses. I am very careful with food washing and handling, that I never really thought I needed those washes. However, you just never know these days what could be on the food.

Anyway, I have heard that adding lemon juice or citric acid to water also help. Is it true that most of those washes contain citric acid? I guess I should look at the ingredient list.

[KimK]

Our local TV station recently ran a report on "Fit". Its conclusion was that it doesn't do what it purports to do. Here is a link to the story: http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?s=247014.

The bottom line is that a plain water wash is just as effective. Plus the Fit doesn't remove bacteria, but in fact, causes the bacterial count to increase. Save your money!

[makedah]

I agree with all of you. I was anti- "Fit" for a long time, for all the reasons Leslie mentioned, but then I got a $2 off coupon and decided to give it a try. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I like it. It gets my potatoes much cleaner than water did. You can make the stuff yourself, you know. Some of those "frugal moms" web pages tell you how.

[kwormann]

you can substitute a wash for water with a touch of baking soda...save LOTS if mula!

kim

[LGBurns]

Actually, the scientist in the story said the high bacteria count in the FIT test showed it was removing bacteria (the bacteria had been lifted off the vegetable and would have been removed with a final rinse). Plus, FIT doesn't claim to remove bacteria.

To me the big concern is removing pesticides but I have always just used mild detergent and rinsed well after. I see no reason to buy an extra product (especially since I use a natural dishwashing liquid anyway).

[MrsReber]

I was reading somewhere that you can simply wash fruits and veggies under running water because the running water acts as an abrasive and will clean the skin well. That is all I've been doing and I've never gotten sick. I'm quite healthy, actually. My biggest concern is usually not the pesticides, but all the people in the store who may have touched the produce before me with dirty hands! I just rinse it real good with the faucet running full blast.