Make your own vegetable wash

I love organic produce! OK, not really. It looks disgusting. But I love what comes with it. Check out this delectable aphid Ellie found in the lettuce today. If you don't know me, I'm Melvin. I eat bugs. So of course I hate pesticides! My fruit- and veggie-eating friends don't like them either. They're bad for you in so many ways. In fact, I heard an interview on NPR with Suzanne Somers—she's got a new book out...you know, she's pretty but not as pretty as Ellie and Nellie...anyway, she thinks that avoiding toxins such as pesticides can even help with weight loss.

Of course, just as ladybugs are so much better than slugs, certain fruits and vegetables are preferable over others, as far as their pesticide levels. For example, you should just always buy organic apples but "conventional" onions are probably OK. And to make it easier, the Environmental Working Group has published a great little guide to cut out and take shopping with you.

But for those times you can't find organic, or it's too expensive, try this easy vegetable wash. It should get off at least some of the toxins. (Though it won't bring back any aphids. Sigh.)

In a new, washed spray bottle, mix:

1 T lemon juice
2 T vinegar
1 C water

Spray on fruits and vegetables. Let sit about five minutes. Depending on the produce, scrub with a brush or rub lightly. Rinse produce thoroughly and store the unused wash in the fridge.

Signed, Melvin

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