Berries are small in size but they have huge benefits to our health. These tiny fruits provide some of the highest levels of nutrients. They protect our bodies against free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, help prevent cancers, naturally detox our bodies from toxins, and provide an abundant amount of vitamins, minerals, and super antioxidants. Including vitamin C, A, magnesium, potassium, calcium. They are rich in fiber and pre-biotics ( hello gut health), which also helps keep you full longer.
Berries are loaded with of antioxidants (thanks to its bright color) that are so important in reducing inflammation, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and a variety of other illness.
Not to mention they taste amazing and sweet, but they are actually very low in sugar. Making this super fruit a great alternative to people with diabetes.
Berries are a favorite in my house. The kids ask for them everyday, so I’m always picking up a pint at the grocery store. Washing them before consuming is extremely important since berries are one the ‘Dirty Dozen” list of foods, highest in pesticide contamination. Strawberries for example, is best to buy organic, if possible. They also come with dust, bugs and sometimes mold. So doing a proper hygiene of your berries is a great idea, since this process can also help keep your berries fresh longer.
Here are a few steps on how to properly wash your berries:
1.Soak them in distilled vinegar.
Distilled white vinegar contain great anti- microbial proprieties to help disinfect your fruits. It is not toxic, so great for any household cleaning as well.
- Fill a large bowl with 3 cups of water and 2 Tbsp of vinegar.
- Make sure to remove the ones with brown spots.
- Allow it to soak.
- Drain the vinegar bath and rinse in clean water for a few seconds.
- Lay the berries over a dry paper towel and allow them to dry completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
2. Soak them in salt.
Salt is a natural antiseptic used for thousands of years to sanitize and preserve foods. For washing berries it is important to note that a small amount is recommended since the fruit can taste salty if left in this bath too long. The recommended time is 3 to 5 minutes total.
- Fill a large bowl with 1L of water a 1 tsp of salt.
- Allow it to soak.
- Rinse delicately. Then lay the berries over a dry paper towel and allow them to dry completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
3. Soak them in baking soda.
Baking soda is another great alternative for naturally cleaning and sanitizing your fruits and vegetables.
- Fill a large bowl with 1L of water and 2 tsp of baking soda.
- Allow it to soak.
- Rinse well.
- Lay the berries over a dry paper towel and allow them to dry completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
Strawberries: soak for 15 minutes.
Blueberries: soak for 10 minutes.
Raspberries and Blackberries: soak for 5 minutes.
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