Do you know how to wash your fruits and vegetables properly? It is important to clean them thoroughly before eating, especially if you are not peeling them. Raw fruits and vegetables can harbor harmful bacteria, hurting your stomach.
Here are
some tips on washing your fruits and vegetables.
1.
Rinse Before Peeling
If you are going to peel your fruits or vegetables, rinse them first. This will remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface.
Fill a bowl or sink with clean water and add your produce. Gently rub the fruit or vegetable under the water to remove any dirt. Use a soft brush if necessary. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
Now you
can proceed to peel your fruits and vegetables.
2.
Wash Your Hands With Warm Water
Before and after handling produce, wash your hands with warm water and soap. This will remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on your hands.
Wet your
hands with warm water and add soap. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds, and
clean all surfaces. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean
towel or air dry.
3.
Rinse Produce With Cold Water
Rinse all produce under cold water, even if you plan to peel it. This will remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface.
Place produce in a colander or strainer and rinse with cold water. If using a sink, plug the drain and fill the sink with cold water. Let the produce soak for a few minutes before rinsing again.
Produce that is harder to clean, such as leafy greens or broccoli, may need to be scrubbed with a brush to remove any dirt or bacteria.
For leafy
greens: Fill a sink or large bowl with cool water. Add the greens and swish
them around for a minute or two. Drain the water and repeat if necessary.
4.
Remove Wax or Pesticides
Some fruits and vegetables have a waxy coating that helps to protect them. This coating can also hold on to pesticides and other chemicals. To remove the wax and any substances, you will need to wash your produce with a vinegar solution.
Make a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar. For example, add one cup of vinegar if you use one cup of water. Soak the produce in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
You can also use 35% hydrogen peroxide. It's a food-grade disinfectant used to decontaminate fruits and vegetables. Hydrogen peroxide is a mix of 35% hydrogen and oxygen, and it's the role of this oxygen to break down and remove contaminants.
Produce
that is pre-packaged or doesn't have a lot of dirt or pesticide residue may
only need to be rinsed with cold water.
5.
Dry Produce
After washing your produce, it is important to dry it completely. Moisture can help bacteria grow, so you want to ensure your fruits and vegetables are as dry as possible.
Place
produce on a clean towel or paper towel and pat dry. Using a towel, ensure it
is clean and free of any dirt or bacteria. You can also let the product air dry
for a few minutes before storing it.
6.
Store Produce Properly
Once your produce is clean and dry, you must store it in the fridge. Most fruits and vegetables should be stored in a plastic bag or container with holes for ventilation.
If you do not eat the produce immediately, you can wash it and store it in the freezer. This is a good option for fruits and vegetables, such as berries or leafy greens, that may go bad quickly.
To wash
and freeze: Rinse produce under cold water, then pat dry. Place on a baking
sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer
to a freezer-safe bag or container — label with the name of the fruit or
vegetable and the date.
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