5 fabulous ways to wash the grapes

Store bought grapes are usually covered with a layer of white film or powder. This is actually produced by the grape plant to prevent moisture loss from the fruit, Mother Nature's protection mechanism to ensure the fruit remains succulent. Though harmless, this cause the grapes to have a bitter or unpleasant taste when it is not removed.

Here are 5 tried and tested tips to wash the grapes:

1) Sea salt

Heap a huge tablespoon of salt onto the grapes and give them a good rub and polish on the skin. When rubbing, you will see the white film disappear from the grapes' skin. After that, rinse the grapes to remove all the remaining salt.

2) Corn starch

Heap a huge tablespoon of corn starch onto the grapes and give them a good rub and polish. After that, rinse the grapes to remove all the corn starch.

3) Baking soda

Heap a huge tablespoon of baking soda onto the grapes. Fill the bowl water and give the grapes a good rub. Drain the water and rinse them under the tap.

4) Lemon

Squeeze the juice of lemon onto the grapes and give the grapes a rub with the lemon juice. Rinse the grapes and serve

5) Vinegar

We are back to good ole vinegar. Pour a tablespoon of vinegar onto the grapes and give them a rub in the vinegar. Rinse the grapes and serve.

5 quick ways to rid mouth ulcers

1) Apply natural sea salt on the ulcer. (Ow, this stings and hurts A LOT)

2) Gurgle a lukewarm sea salt solution made with boiled water

3) Apply over the counter mouth gels. House brands antiseptic mouth gels or the brand Bonjela works well.

4) Apply watermelon frost or pearl powder from Chinese stores. This may be bitter tasting.

5) Apply butter! Butter creates a layer or film of protection between saliva and the ulcer and thus reduces pain. Consider using salted butter as the salt doubles up as antiseptic and speeds up the healing