Grapes belong to the "dirty dozen", the twelve agricultural products most contaminated with pesticides. In some cases, these harmful substances remain on the external surface of the berries even after washing them; all this increases the risk of exposure to toxic substances for the brain and nervous system. Wash the fruit following the correct techniques using water or by soaking it in a solution of water and vinegar.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with water
Step 1. Store the grapes without washing them
Wait until you plan to consume it, to prevent excess moisture from rotting prematurely; keep the berries in their original packaging.
Take only the portions you intend to eat and wash them
Step 2. Rinse the berries
Take the necessary amount and hold them under cold running water for 30 seconds while gently rubbing them with your fingers; by doing so, you eliminate about 85% of bacteria, as well as pesticides.
Rinse the grapes with your hands or keep them in the colander
Step 3. Soak it
Transfer the bunch to a clean bowl and put the latter in the sink; turn on the cold water tap and run it until the fruit is completely submerged. Leave it in the water for 5-10 minutes to eliminate bacteria and toxic substances.
Do not leave grapes directly in the sink, as you could contaminate them with other pathogens that would make you sick; if you don't have a bowl, wash and rinse the sink thoroughly before treating the fruit
Step 4. Remove broken and rotten berries
Check all those that have broken skin or that show signs of rot, remove them promptly and throw them away; they may contain bacteria, pesticides, and other residues that you can't get rid of by cleaning.
Step 5. Dry the fruit
Transfer it to a clean tea towel or paper towel lined baking sheet. Wait for the berries to air dry for about 10 minutes; then rub them gently one by one using a napkin to remove all traces of germs, waxy substances or agricultural chemicals.
Step 6. Don't use soaps
Stay away from detergents and other similar products when washing grapes; these substances can leave a film on the berries that is unsafe for human consumption and could cause gastric problems or other adverse reactions.
Method 2 of 3: with Vinegar and Water
Step 1. Prepare the solution
Pour three parts of clean water into a bowl and add one part of vinegar. This is the most effective concentration for eliminating bacteria and pesticides.
Check that the water temperature is similar to that of the grapes
Step 2. Immerse the berries in the liquid
Put them in the bowl with water and vinegar, leaving them to soak for 5-10 minutes; in this way, you get rid of all chemicals and 98% of bacteria.
If you don't want to soak the cluster, you can wash it with a spray bottle
Step 3. Rinse it
Empty the bowl of the water and vinegar solution to then rinse the fruit with cold running water for 30 seconds; by doing so, you eliminate any residue or germs left, as well as the smell of the vinegar.
Step 4. Let the bunch dry
Place it on a clean tea towel or kitchen paper and allow it to air dry for 10 minutes before eating or storing.
Method 3 of 3: Rub the Grapes
Step 1. Clean the grapes with baking soda and salt
Detach the berries from the stalk and rinse them under cold running water in a clean bowl; sprinkle them with about 1-2 tablespoons of salt and as much baking soda. Shake the container vigorously in each direction for about 30-60 seconds, then rinse the fruit again to eliminate pesticides, bacteria and any traces of baking soda and salt.
Rub the berries lightly with your fingers as you rinse them a second time to remove any residual salt and baking soda
Step 2. Use a vegetable brush
Buy one made specifically for fruit and vegetables. While washing the bunch under running water or in the solution with vinegar, rub each grape with the bristles of the tool; this foresight allows you to remove harmful chemicals and other residues. Furthermore, the mechanical action is able to eliminate up to 85% of pathogens.
Step 3. Proceed with caution when scrubbing grapes
It is a very delicate fruit, whose skin breaks easily. If you plan to use the brush or the salt and baking soda mixture, apply gentle pressure; in this way you remove unwanted bacteria, pesticides and residues without damaging the berries.
