When you buy fruits and vegetables (especially fruits), do you wash them before eating or simply start munching? You may have read or heard about the importance of washing produce before eating, but does it really matter that much? In a word: Yes.
- The basics. The bottom line is whether organic or not, fruits and vegetables can carry harmful bacteria and microorganisms on the skins/rinds that cause foodborne illness such as E.coli, listeria and salmonella. Even fruits with a hard rind, such as melons, can transfer those germs to the inside of the fruit when cut if not properly washed off. Rinse thoroughly with water (not detergent or soap) before prepping or eating. Most bacteria occur naturally and does us little or no harm, but you should still take the step to wash fruits and veg before use.
- The specifics. When dealing with a fruit or vegetable with a hard rind, such as cantaloupe or squash, wash the outside using a scrub brush (that’s free of any mold) before cutting. Wash bunches, such as kale, broccoli, grapes, berries or even apples, just before you intend to eat them. Note that washing them right when you get home actually increases the chance of molding and spoilage. You can use a produce wash if you prefer, but most experts say it’s not necessary. Prewashed produce is safe to eat, although you may want to give it an extra rinse just in case.
- The final note. While the only true way to get rid of all bacteria involves cooking produce to 135 degrees, unless you want to eat only fruit compote under roasted vegetables, washing will do just fine. And make sure to dry it all with a towel to get rid of any lingering bacteria that your careful washing didn’t rinse off. Store everything away from raw meats and refrigerate any cut-up fruit.
If you want to eat that apple you just got at the farmer’s market, you can do so with little worry, but to stay on the safe side, wash those fruits and veggies before you do anything with them. And enjoy!
To learn more about health and wellness, reach out to the local staffing and recruiting team at Medical Professionals today!
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