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The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables

With the rise of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to prioritize food safety and cleanliness. One crucial step in maintaining a healthy kitchen is properly washing your fruits and vegetables. But how do you do it effectively?

Why Cleaning Produce Matters

Cooking your produce is the best way to prevent food-borne illnesses, but if you plan to eat it fresh, washing it with plain water is essential. This includes foods with peels, as germs can sneak into the inner parts when you cut into them.

Rinsing: The Bare Minimum

Rinsing your produce under the tap is the first step for all fresh fruits and veggies, including organic produce. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use warm water, but be gentle with delicate items like fresh raspberries.
• Avoid using soap, bleach, or other chemical cleaners.
• Wash your hands before rinsing produce to prevent adding germs and bacteria.
• Use a clean colander to rinse greens, snap peas, and other small items.
• Dry everything with a clean towel or paper towel before storing it away.

Soaking: Ideal for Delicates

Soaking produce is another effective method, especially for delicate fruits and veggies. Here’s how to do it:

• Soak produce in cool or lukewarm water for 5-30 minutes to loosen dirt, bugs, and other unseen villains.
• Add a bit of white vinegar (about 1/2 cup per 1 cup of water) as a natural bacteria killer.
• Rinse your produce in clean water after soaking, especially if you use vinegar.
• Dry everything completely before storing it away.

Scrubbing: Heavy Duty

For produce that can take a bit more scrubbing, use a stiff brush under running water to ensure they’re clean, even if you plan to peel them. Some produce has a wax coating you can choose to eat, like apples, cucumbers, and lemons. Use baking soda as a natural scrub to remove the waxy layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I clean produce with a rind, skin, or peel I’m not going to eat? Wash them! Take extra care to wash fruits and veggies when you’re going to peel them or cut through the whole fruit or vegetable.
• How do I clean mushrooms? It’s fine to wash mushrooms, but don’t let them stay in water for too long. Instead, dunk them quickly and give them a gentle scrub with your fingers.
• Should I use a commercial fruit and vegetable wash? We don’t recommend using commercial produce washes, as they’re not approved by the FDA for use on foods. Stick to clean water and sanitized surfaces.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy clean, safe produce in your kitchen. Happy washing!