How To Wash Fruits And Vegetables: A Complete Guide

In today’s world, maintaining a healthy diet often starts with fresh and nutritious ingredients, including fruits and vegetables.

There are, in fact, 31 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites that causes about 9 million cases of food-related illnesses annually. This information is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many people understand the dangers of consuming undercooked food, like meat.

Nevertheless, they may not realize that improperly handled produce, like fruits and vegetables, can also lead to illness.

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Before you enjoy the vibrant tastes of fresh fruits and vegetables, you need to make sure they are safe. Make sure they are clean for consumption.

To grasp the importance of washing produce, think about how many hands touch your vegetables and fruits before you purchase them.

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It’s a surprisingly large number. “It’s safe to assume that much of the fresh produce you buy has been coughed on, sneezed on and breathed on as well,” notes Healthline.

Washing your produce helps remove dirt, bacteria, and potential pesticide residues that can be harmful.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to properly wash common fruits and vegetables. It ensures your meals are as safe as they are delicious.

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How To Wash Fruits And Vegetables: A Complete Guide

To effectively wash fruits and vegetables and remove dirt and pesticides, follow these steps.

The CDC suggests washing your hands before and after preparing fruits and vegetables.

Rinse Under Cold Running Water

Begin by holding the produce under cold running water for 15 to 20 seconds.

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It is also recommended to rinse your produce BEFORE peeling it to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.

Scrub With A Brush

Use a vegetable brush for produce with tough skins like apples, potatoes, carrots and cucumbers among others.

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The gentle rubbing with a brush will help to dislodge surface dirt and bacteria.

Use A Vinegar Or Salt Solution

Vinegar is a versatile ingredient that not only adds flavor to the dishes we cook, but can also be used as a natural and effective method to clean and preserve produce.

You can use any type of vinegar, such as white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar, depending on your preference. However, white vinegar is most commonly used for soaking vegetables.

For a vinegar solution, mix one part vinegar with three parts water to reduce bacteria on firm vegetables (discard solution after use. Do Not Reuse).

Combine salt with water to create a saline solution. Soak leafy greens to dislodge dirt and pests, then rinse thoroughly.

Soak the produce for 10-15 minutes or longer for particularly dirty vegetables.

It can also help to remove food grade wax from citrus fruit and apples.

Dry With A Clean Towel

After rinsing, pat the fruits and vegetables dry with a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.

This helps reduce bacterial growth and keeps them fresh longer.

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Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within 2 hours.

Consider Commercial Washes

If desired, use a commercial produce wash available in stores. The predominant ingredient used is citric acid for removing dirt and bacteria.

Or you can make your own citric acid produce cleaner in your kitchen.

For a lemon juice fruit and vegetable wash:

Start with mixing ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice with 2 cups water in a spray bottle.

Spray solution onto produce and let the sit for 3-5 minutes. Rinse and air dry.

Extra Precautions

Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within 2 hours.

Store fruits and vegetables away from, and not next to or below, raw meat, poultry, and seafood. These items can drip juices that may have germs.

Use a separate cutting board for fruits and vegetables that is never used for cutting or preparing raw meats, poultry, or seafood.

Wash cutting boards, counter tops, and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after preparing fruits and vegetables.

By following these steps, you can ensure your fruits and vegetables are clean and safe for consumption.

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