By Demitric Boykin
When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me, “Always wash your fruits and veggies before you eat them, Demitric. You never know what’s been on them.” At the time, I thought it was just another one of her many wise but slightly quirky habits. It wasn’t until I grew older that I truly appreciated the significance of her words and the importance of properly cleaning the produce we bring into our homes.
I vividly remember one summer day at my grandmother’s house. The sun was shining brightly, and the garden was bursting with color. I ran into the kitchen, eager to taste the strawberries we had just picked. But before I could grab one, my grandmother stopped me and handed me a bowl of water and a small bottle of wash. “We have to clean them first,” she said with a smile. It felt like an eternity waiting for those strawberries, but the wait was worth it. They tasted fresh, pure, and delicious.
Years later, I learned that my grandmother’s insistence on washing produce wasn’t just about removing visible dirt. It’s about ensuring that the food we consume is free from harmful bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants that can be invisible to the naked eye. These contaminants can pose serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Many people assume that a quick rinse under tap water is enough to clean fruits and vegetables. However, research has shown that water alone can’t remove all the pesticides and pathogens that may be lurking on the surface of our produce. This is where a hypochlorous-based wash comes in.
Hypochlorous acid, the active ingredient in many high-quality home products, is a natural disinfectant that is highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses. It’s safe for human consumption, gentle on produce, and environmentally friendly. Unlike harsh chemicals, hypochlorous acid doesn’t leave harmful residues, making it a perfect choice for washing fruits and vegetables.
Using a hypochlorous-based wash like our Fresh Extend fruit & veggie wash ensures that you are not only removing dirt and pesticides but also significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your health and well-being.
Today, as a parent, I carry on my grandmother’s tradition of thoroughly washing all the produce that comes into our home. But instead of using a homemade solution, I rely on products like Fresh Extend, a hypochlorous-based fruit and veggie wash. Fresh Extend is designed to safely and effectively clean your produce, giving you peace of mind that what you’re feeding your family is as safe and healthy as possible.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple but essential steps that can make a big difference in our health. Taking the time to properly wash your fruits and vegetables with a hypochlorous-based wash like Fresh Extend is one of those steps. It’s a practice rooted in wisdom and backed by science, ensuring that the food we eat is clean, safe, and delicious.
So next time you bring home that beautiful basket of strawberries, remember my grandmother’s advice. Take a moment to wash them thoroughly, and enjoy the fresh, pure taste of produce that’s truly clean. Your health and your taste buds will thank you.
About the Author: Demitric Boykin is an advocate for healthy living and the importance of food safety. He believes in the power of simple practices to make a big difference in our lives.