- By Iram Hussain
- Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Leafy greens or leafy vegetables are a staple in many diets around the world. They are renowned for their exceptional nutritional value and numerous health benefits including reduced inflammation, supporting eye health, and boosting the immune system. These nutrient-dense vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which makes them a great addition to a healthy diet. Leafy greens can also be used to make delicious and healthy dishes such as stir-fries, soups and curries, making it easy to reap their nutritional benefits while enjoying flavourful meals.
But cleaning these veggies properly is important to remove dirt, bacteria and other contaminants that can be present on the leaves. Proper cleaning can help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure that the leafy greens are safe to eat. Here are some easy and effective ways to clean the leafy greens thoroughly at home.
Ways To Clean Green Vegetables
Saline Solution
Soaking leafy greens in a saline solution is an effective way to clean them. Mix 1-2 tbsp of salt in cold water and soak the greens for at least 10 minutes. The salt loosens dirt and kills bacteria. Rinse thoroughly with cold water afterwards to remove dirt, pesticide residues and bacteria.
Baking Soda And Cold Water
Dissolving 1-2 tbsp of baking soda in cold water creates a natural cleaning solution for leafy greens. Soak the greens for 5 minutes to neutralise pesticides and remove dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to reveal clean and contaminant-free greens, making baking soda an effective and eco-friendly cleaning method.
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Ways to clean vegetables easily (Image Credits: Canva)
Lemon Juice And Cold Water
Mixing 2 tbsp of lemon juice with cold water creates a natural cleaning solution for green vegetables. Soaking the greens for 5-10 minutes helps break down pesticides while the acidity freshens and cleans the leaves. Rinsing with fresh water reveals clean and refreshed greens, perfect for consumption.
Normal Water
Submerge leafy greens in water and gently agitate them to loosen dirt and debris. Lifting the greens out of the water allows particles to fall to the bottom while leaving the greens cleaner. It's a simple yet effective cleaning technique to remove dirt and residue.
Vinegar Solution
Soak leafy greens in a vinegar solution while combining 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water effectively sanitises and removes residues. After a 10-minute soak, rinse the greens thoroughly with cold water. This method kills bacteria and reduces residues while providing safe and clean veggies for consumption.
