Handling Produce

I started washing almost all my produce as soon as it enters my home a few months ago.

My reasoning for doing this is because I have a 15 year old that is quite independent at making food for herself. I noticed she would just grab and slice whatever, remove berries from a carton and not wash them. Slice into countertop foods like tomatoes, avocados, and bananas without washing, etc.

It got tiring constantly reminding her to wash so I devised another plan. I began washing almost everything I stick in the fridge and keep on the countertop.

Except for tomatoes, pineapple, cauliflower, cherries, figs, artichokes, broccoli, lettuce, kale, spinach, grapes, herbs, mushrooms, leafy greens, asparagus, eggplant, berries, and scallions; everything I was loading my fruit cart and fridge with (avocados, bananas, celery, lemons, limes, stone fruits, oranges, grapefruit, apples, kiwi, pears, melons, papayas, radish, carrot, cabbage, cucumbers, peppers, passionfruit, mangoes, potatoes, zucchini, squash, and more) was now getting a good soak in filtered cold water with a dollop of natural soap. Some of the other foods I don’t wash immediately because they have soft skins, and tend to deteriorate faster after touching water, and they are kept in a bag inside the fridge, or on the fruit cart.

Maybe I need to create a visual of this. Would that benefit you?
I may commission my in-house artist for one. I feel we need this.

Pre-eating washing is a whole new access point into eating clean because its already ready to grab and go! I noticed a lot of times people wont grab a healthy food item out of the fridge because it requires washing, chopping, etc. The washing step cuts one task down, making something healthy to eat a lot easier to manage. For years I was loading the fridge with dirty produce and washing as needed, now everyone can just grab and slice without spending an extra minute washing and drying. At first I had to re-train myself because I was so accustomed to just washing the produce right before eating it. But thanks to my sweet soul of a daughter, I now wash it all, partly so she does not pick up unwanted viruses and bacteria on her produce (in case she forgets again), and partly because it has cut out that extra washing step from my kitchen work. I have been loving it!

I truly believe our children are sent here to teach us. My children have taught me so much over the years, from infancy and beyond. Taught me to be more kind, more patient, more resilient, softer, more compassionate towards myself and others, how to spot a narcissist, more empathetic and understanding. They have taught me valuable lessons about who I am as a Mother and as a person. I find it sad that so many parents out there, to this day fail to see it this way. Many parents cannot learn their lessons as they continue to shut their children down.

I have had so many revelations and breakthroughs just from hearing a random comment, or an opinion from my children. They are wise old souls beyond measure, and while I am here to teach and guide them, they are also here to guide me and teach me more about who and what I am, and what I came here to do.

Our children are our best teachers. I will try never to forget that, no matter how blistering they may behave in any given moment. I will recenter myself, take those deep belly breaths and calm my mind when I get triggered, because let’s face it parents, I must confess . . . when it come down to being triggered by your children . . . . . . it is all just a matter of time.

It wasn’t always so, but over time I learned to be flexible like the bamboo. I may sway in the wind without breaking. Bamboo is patient, strong, flexible and resilient. That is exactly what children need. My child’s less that desirable kitchen habits have inspired immediate washings as produce comes through our home. Sure it takes some extra time, sure it can get overwhelming at times, with the amount of fresh produce. But it has proven to be a complete game-changer in my kitchen. She even asked the other day, “Mom is this washed?” I noticed she began adding lemon juice to her water bottles and water glasses recently. Our actions and behaviors influence our children. They are always watching, no matter their age.
I find having some items washed and others not has been working out well for me, and of course I wanted to share. Do you wash your produce upon purchase for countertop and fridge storage? Or do you wash as you go? I would love to know! Feel free to post your comment below.

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