To clean fruit with baking soda, follow these steps:
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling the fruit.
- Prepare a soaking solution by mixing about 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 cups of cold water in a bowl or your kitchen sink.
- Submerge the fruit in the baking soda solution and let it soak for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir or move the fruit occasionally to ensure all surfaces are cleaned.
- For firmer fruits, use a soft-bristle vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface, while softer fruits can be rubbed lightly with your fingers.
- Remove the fruit from the solution and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
- Dry the fruit completely before storing or eating.
This method helps remove dirt, chemical residues, and some pesticides more effectively than plain water rinsing. Avoid using soap or hot water, and only wash fruits just before eating to prevent spoilage from moisture retention.