Keeping Your Fruits and Veggie Tip for Washing Fresh

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients and fiber that support overall health. However, it is important to properly wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them, as they can contain harmful bacteria or pesticide residue. In this blog post, we will share some tips for washing fresh fruits and vegetables to help keep them safe and clean.

Wash your hands
Before handling any fruits or vegetables, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your hands to the produce.

Use cold water
Rinse fruits and vegetables under cold running water. This will help to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria that may be present on the surface of the produce.

Scrub firm produce
Firm produce, such as apples, cucumbers, and potatoes, can be scrubbed with a vegetable brush to help remove any dirt or bacteria that may be present on the surface.

Soak leafy greens
Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, can be soaked in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to help loosen any dirt or debris. After soaking, rinse the greens under cold running water.

Dry produce
After washing, be sure to dry your fruits and vegetables thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel. This will help to remove any remaining moisture, which can promote the growth of bacteria.

Remove outer leaves
For produce such as cabbage or lettuce, it is important to remove the outer leaves before washing. These leaves can contain more dirt and bacteria than the inner leaves.

Use vinegar or baking soda
For an extra cleaning boost, you can add vinegar or baking soda to your water. Mix 1 part vinegar or baking soda with 3 parts water and soak your produce for a few minutes before rinsing.

By following these tips for washing fresh fruits and vegetables, you can help to ensure that your produce is safe and clean for consumption. Remember to wash your produce even if you plan on peeling it, as bacteria can still be transferred from the surface to the inside of the produce during peeling.