It is always advisable to wash all fruit and vegetables before you eat them, but how important is it?
We may not notice the physical dirt, pebbles, insects, and other lingering debris on our fruits and vegetables. They will be exchanged between a lot of hands before it gets to our kitchen. So we can try eliminating bacteria and germs from the surface by rinsing our fruits and vegetables well.
As per the estimation of Federal health officials, it is considered that 48 million people are sickened by food contaminated with harmful germs each year.
One healthy way to incorporate vitamins, minerals, and essential antioxidants into your diet is by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.
Global pandemic exists or not; it always a good practice to properly wash fresh fruits and vegetables to minimize the presence of potentially harmful germs.
It is also considered using soap, vinegar, lemon juice, or even cleaners like bleach as an added measure.
However, as advised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they strongly suggest sticking with plain water.
Tips To Wash Fruits And Vegetables:
1. Wash your hands: Washing our hands stood to be the highest priority to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in recent times. Even to rinse vegetables, it is good to ensure that your hands are clean. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before cleaning the fruits and vegetable produce.
2. Rinse the fruits and vegetables: Running water can be used to wash the fruits and vegetables purchased from the market, followed by rubbing them with your hands. The majority of the vegetables can be washed in this manner.
3. Avoid soap or other detergents: The myth of using soap, detergent, or any special liquid is cleared by the FDA. It is mentioned to avoid using such items to cleanse. In case of damage or bruising before eating, it is better to cut and remove the damaged areas.
4. Handle the fragile produce gently: Avoid vigorous washing of fruits like raspberries, which crush easily when washed in too much water. Instead, put delicate fruits and vegetables in a colander to avoid damage.
5. Brush or sponge can be used: A vegetable brush or sponge can be used to clean root vegetables like potatoes or carrots to ensure all dirt is removed.
Home Made fruits and vegetable wash ideas:
1. Saltwater Soak
Researchers suggest Soaking fruits and vegetables in a saltwater solution for 20 minutes cleans most of the residues.
2. Vinegar solution:
Another way to remove residues from fruits and vegetables is by vinegar solution. Place the fruits and veggies in a vinegar solution by adding 4-parts water to 1-part vinegar for 20 minutes. Drain them in a colander and rinse with water to remove the vinegar taste. Be watchful while soaking porous fruits like berries, as it may affect the thin skin.
3. Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda and water can be prepared by adding 1-ounce baking soda to 100 ounces of water. Later, Soak the produce for about 15 minutes and then rinse with water.