Apparently, there are specific ways that I have discovered work in using the Environne Veggie wash.
I have found that when certain fruits are washed in the ‘dip’ method versus “scrubbing”, their tastes could be greatly altered. Perhaps, this has to do with the kind of Fruit, as in: if it’s being cut, if the skin is edible etc.
As a result, to serve as a blue-print of sorts for my readers, herewith is how I wash my staples.
Scrubbing Method:
1. First, make a solution of about a capful of the environne added to approx 2-3 quarts of water.
2. Wash your hands then give the fruit a thorough rinse under water while massaging its skin. Set aside into a container for this 1st step.
3. Wash your hands again; now massage the exterior of the fruit with the solution.
4. Rinse under running water.
5. Now Scrub with the solution
6. Rinse under water again
7. Set the produce aside into the container you will be eating from later on the day.
8. After washing all the produce you intend to eat (for example 5 apples, 4 Asian pears etc) hold the container under running water, fill up to cover the fruit and rinse. Do this at least 2-3 times to ensure it’s rinsed thoroughly.
9. Do a final rinse with distilled water (twice) then set aside.
Dip Method:
For harder produce like mangoes, persimmons, cherimoyas that have a skin that perhaps won’t eaten,
1. First, make a solution of about a capful of the environne added to approx 2-3 quarts of water.
2. Wash your hands, and then scrub the produce with a brush under running water (without the solution)
3. Set aside into a container for this 1st step.
4. Now dip the produce in the solution, while swishing for about 20-30 seconds.
5. Rinse under running water
6. Perform Steps 4-5 for three times.
7. Rinse under water again
8. Set the produce aside into the container you will be eating from later on the day.
9. After washing all the produce you intend to eat (for example 3 mangoes, 4 persimmons etc) hold the container under running water, fill up to cover the fruit and rinse. Do this at least 2-3 times to ensure it’s rinsed thoroughly.
10. Do a final rinse with distilled water (twice) then set aside.
*Presently, I use the scrubbing method for my Melons, Citrus (when juicing them), & the Occasional Papayas.
*For the first dip method, this is used for my mangoes, Fuyu Persimmons, Apples, Cherimoyas, Asian Pears.
*For Avocadoes, Apples, Cactus Pears and Bananas , simply rinse the fruits by holding them under a running shower of faucet, put aside, then apply the steps 3-10 in the afore mentioned dip method.
***Finally, for all other produce like the occasional vegetables, tangerines, grapes, stone fruit, I use the dip method above WITHOUT the brush. For Softer Produce like tomatoes, Grapes, Cherimoyas and Hachiya Persimmons, I have found that rinsing them by filling the pot with water, swishing it around then discarding the water about 3-4 times before employing steps 3-10 above for the “dip” method of washing works quite efficiently. As a matter of fact, unless you can visibly see the wax on the produce, for soft fruits and vegetables, you can apply the dip method after rinsing 3-4 times as described under the paragraph beginning with ***.
As of the time of this writing, I am yet to use the Environne Fruit & Vegetable Wipes and of course, the makers have their own instructions on the label of the container which you could experiment with as well.
Just remember, the key factor here is you’ve got to wash your produce to avoid food poisoning, contaminations and for personal hygiene. You’ll be shocked with the amount of dirt/grunge that comes off of fruits and veggies you wash with this. Water just won’t be sufficient, plus, when you read the ingredients of the veggie wash, you won’t be concerned- they are just light natural surfactants (soapy oil-breakers), and you don’t need to feel bad about anything in there.
As a side note, as much as possible, I will also advise that if you can, try to wash each fruit with its own solution. This brings out the best taste for me and is indeed healthier. Imagine taking a bath in the same solution that another person has used, the same applies to fruits. Moreover, if you happen to eat conventional fruits at the same time with organic ones, see to it that you wash the cleaner, organic ones first.
How To Avoid Cross Contamination Of Fruits and Vegetables When Washing Them
Okay, don’t sigh just yet and say this sounds like a lot of work because honestly, it is not and what I am about to tell you is worth it in terms of the taste and cleanliness of fruits and vegetables.
When I use the “Dip Method” for washing fruits as described in this article, I noticed that lately the outside of my Mangoes seemed to darken up and shrivel up later on in the evenings. Furthermore, the sweet taste of my fruits seemed to diminish a little bit.
So intuitively, I tried using a different brush for scrubbing each fruit and Lo and Behold, the problems with taste and appearance of my fruits stopped and they actually tasted even better. So, for what it is worth, I am divulging this tip to you. As I said earlier you could use the Environne Fruit & Vegetable Wipes and of course, the makers have their own instructions on the label of the container which you could experiment with as well, if you want to by–pass all of these steps (if they indeed appear too much, though I tend to think otherwise…).
However, to make it easier, what I do is wash the containers and 3-4 fruits and vegetable brushes the night before or the morning off any given day using a regular dishwashing liquid at this time and I make sure to rinse them all thoroughly.
It may sound like it’s a lot to do, but it’s really not. Moreover, for fruits like Bananas and Avocadoes, I usually fore-go the extra steps mentioned herewith and simply use the designated method for washing them as listed in this article after washing my lemons or apples (depending on the season). Hey, these specific fruits have skins that I am not going to be touching with my mouth per-se…
In addition, for fruits like Watermelon and other Musk Melons, I may not be as concerned (especially in the case of the former-I mean it does have a pretty thick skin!). But, since I do have a preference for some of my fruits to taste the best they can be, I would be extra careful when it comes to Honey Dew Melons-but that’s just me. I want the BEST taste possible for this delicious fruit.
I also recommend that you use purified drinking water for making the veggie wash solution at all times and stages when it is being used for washing fruits and vegetables as described in this chapter.
This is for the following reasons that I have recently noticed:
1. The Environne Solution lathers up even more when drinking water is used.
2. The Fruits actually taste even better.
So, that leads me to conclude that the filtered water I use for drinking and the final rinse of my fruits must be cleaner if I can actually notice such minuscule details when it comes to fruits.
On a side note, save your money and don’t bother buying fruit and vegetable brushes from the internet or grocery stores that don’t last but a few days and cost upwards of $5 for one brush! Simply go to any ‘dollar’ or discount store in your area and get the “Iron Brushes” that go for about a buck each. They are usually about 4-6 inches long and half of that in width. (You may do a Google Images Search for “iron scrubbing brush” and see what I am referring to. Just make sure it’s firm but not too firm where it may bruise your fruits. You have to use your own discrepancy here for that.)
In addition, for what it is worth, let me remind you at this stage to please wash your hands before and after you eat each fruit and remember to wipe them with paper towels versus using the same napkins over and over which simply may not be as clean!
I also rub my hands together vigorously for a few seconds to warm up my hands and to remove some of the excessive stickiness of paper towels. If you are wondering why I have to warm up the hands, it’s because I don’t use hot water to wash my hands most of the time (especially at home before eating) because I don’t want to inhale the excess unfiltered chlorine from the hot water coming out of the faucet which may trigger respiratory problems. Again, that’s just me, what works for me may not necessarily work for you. However, I am just giving you these little tips that I use when it comes to washing and eating my fruits.
While we are on the subject, I would like to mention that it is also a good idea to thoroughly wash and rinse the containers you may be using for your lemonade (and juices) as depicted in Chapters 14, 25 and 26 of this book. Also, remember to try to rinse them out with DRINKING water 2 or 3 times to remove the excessive tap water and possible soap residue before filling them up with drinking water to use for the lemonade.
Furthermore, if like me, you may be using an extra shower in your home for washing the fruit (since the water pressure is much more than a faucet and you can use an actual shower filter for most shower heads), do ensure that you have on some warm clothing (I use a hooded sweat shirt) and aprons to avoid the chills from standing next to a cold shower for that long while washing fruits.
Also, please remember the following. As much as you may be tempted to wash your produce once and for all for the week by washing a lot of produce and then putting them in the refrigerator, I will suggest that you DO NOT do that. Because
-Washing produce in bulk and later on refrigerating them changes the taste of the fruits drastically. (Even conventional websites will tell you to never wash fruits before storing them.)
-When fruits are washed, they need to be eaten the same day (within about 16 hours or so) and I also would like to suggest you have all your fruits out of the fridge a full 24 hours before use. (This may not apply to leafy vegetables, which could be pulled out of the fridge perhaps 6 hours before use.)
To wrap this chapter up, when it comes to washing your fruit, you could follow the directions on the Environee Fruit and Vegetable wash bottle and do what I call the shampoo method, however, you will discover that uses up a lot of the solution.
The bottom-line simply is, you have to wash your fruits with a solution designed for that purpose. I have outlined what works for me and should work for the majority. However, based on your needs and time factors, you can simply do what works for you…as long as you make the attempt to wash the fruits for your own good.
At least let the fruits have contact with the solution for at least 20-30 seconds minimum.
Ultimately, if you would simply choose to use the Environne wipes instead of the Environne Solution per se, as long as you notice that your fruits taste good and you do not have any digestive disturbances, then suffice it to say you should be fine.
Remember, even with fruits and vegetables the adage “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” still applies!
