I went to cook the broccoli from the garden tonight for supper, and discovered it was covered with aphids. I rinsed and soaked and rinsed again, several time. It still has aphids. How do I get them off so I can eat it? Thank you

-- Judith Hamlin (ursa@tir.com), November 18, 1999

Answers

A hard spray of water, like from the garden hose with a nozzle. In the garden garlic/oil/hot pepper spray is recommended. I believe the smothering effect of the oil is the most effective portion.

-- Kendy Sawyer (sweetfire@grove.net), November 19, 1999.

Soak the broccoli in salt water for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will kill many kinds of crawlies. Give it a good spraying with clean water when your done.

-- Vaughn Clark (vdcjm@ix.netcom.com), November 20, 1999.

not too many critters like vinager & a brief soak in a weak solution will make 'em wanna go away for sure. rinse, cook & enjoy & no, it won't make your food taste like a salad, any more than it does your hair if/when you use a weak solution to get all the soap off. good luck...

-- katie hankins (yarnspinnerkt@hotmail.com), November 22, 1999.