Looking for a herbal wash to clean fruits and vegetables? Arka Herbi Wash is your answer.
One of the first steps to any recipe is to wash the vegetables and other fresh ingredients well. This ensures the removal not only of mud that may have clung onto the vegetables but also all traces of pesticides and chemicals. When it comes to washing fruits and vegetables, plain water is not always enough.
That said, using regular hand wash or dish soap is not recommended because soap if ingested can be harmful. With this in mind, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru has formulated Arka Herbi Wash, an innovative herb-based cleansing agent for fruits and vegetables.
Washing Fruits And Vegetables During COVID-19
Washing fruits and vegetables brought from the market has now become more important than ever. In addition to the mud and chemicals, there’s also the worry of viruses that may be on the surface of these ingredients.
So, it is important to sanitize all fruits and vegetables before putting them into the fridge instead of waiting till when they are to be used.
What Is Arka Herbi Wash?
Arka Herbi Wash is a herbal cleanser formulated by the Institute of Horticultural Research, a premier institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The product is the result of over 5 years of research.
It is made from powdered plant parts and contains no added chemicals or synthetic elements. Thus, fruits and vegetables washed with this cleanser can be cooked or even eaten raw without any worry.
To wash vegetables, 2 grams of the Arka Herbi Wash must be mixed in a bucket with one liter of water. This may be used to clean up to 1 kg of fruits and vegetables.
After being soaked in this solution for a few minutes, the food items may be rinsed with water and allowed to dry.
According to the Food Safety Referral Laboratory (FSRL) of IIHR, 80-90% of pesticide and other chemical residues on the produce are washed away with a single wash.
Commercializing Arka Herbi Wash
The institute plans to commercialize the product within the next 2 weeks. They also plan to encourage entrepreneurship through Arka Herbi Wash. Parties interested in manufacturing the product may buy the technology on a non-exclusive basis in exchange for a one-time payment.
The parties may also sign an MoU with the FSRL to produce the technology at offsite incubators. The license to do will be valid for 5 years after which it may be renewed.
Also See