Washing Fruits and Vegetables

Washing Fruits and Vegetables Post by ThriftyFun (4042) | (10/11/2005) Profile | Blog! | Contact We know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to get essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. But what are the best ways to handle fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them? Here are some things to remember when preparing fruits and vegetables: Wash fruits and vegetables only before eating. If you wash the item before storage, it will spoil more quickly. The best way to wash the fruit or vegetable thoroughly is by gently rubbing the produce item under clean running tap water. If the fruit or vegetable is firm enough (like potatoes and squashes) and the skin will be eaten, then a scrub brush should be used to clean the surface. All fruits and vegetables should be washed even when the skin and rind are not eaten, such as oranges and melons. You do not need to use detergents or bleaches when washing any fruits or vegetables as they may stay on the surface and might be absorbed into the produce. Detergents and bleaches are not intended for use on foods and consuming them on fruits and vegetables may make you sick. Commercial produce sprays or washes are available in some supermarkets. However, governmental agencies do not recommend these sprays or washes. No washing method completely removes or kills all microbes, which may be present on the produce. Washing produce with clean tap water is adequate. Take off the outer leaves of leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage before washing. Rinse leaves individually under running tap water and place in a salad spinner to dry. Cut out any bruised areas of the produce because bacteria may grow and cause illness if consumed. Keep raw meats separate from fresh fruits and vegetables. Use different cutting boards, knives, and utensils when preparing meals. Always wash cutting boards, knives, utensils, and your hands after handling raw meats and before handling fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to keep your refrigerator clean and cold. Wrap or cover any fruits or vegetables that you have cut and store them above raw meats. Additional sources on fruit and vegetable washing safely can be found on these following sites: About Produce from Produce for Better Health http://www.aboutproduce.com/faq/clean.html Colorado State University Extension http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columncc/cc000630.html Food and Drug Administration http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-pes4.html Oklahoma State University Extension http://www.fcs.okstate.edu/food/nutrition/nutrition_news/news_produce.htm Partnership for Food Safety Education http://www.fightbac.org Source: cdc.gov - Date last reviewed: 07/07/2005 Content source: Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion RE: Washing Fruits and Vegetables Post by meoowmom (933) | (08/15/2005) Contact I use just a teaspoon of salt, I used to juice and was told by juicer to do this. My doc says the teaspoon of salt is ok for a large mixing bowl of water. Doctor is just glad I am now eating healthy fruits and veggies instead of fastfood. RE: Washing Fruits and Vegetables Post By (Guest Post) (08/15/2005) I am so glad I am not the only one who uses dishsoap on my veggies and fruits! My husband and friends think I am crazy for doing this! I don't use a lot, just a drop or two in a bowl and dip the food in and out a few times and rinse. Makes me feel they are clean! Washing Fruits and Vegetables Post by ThriftyFun (4042) | (08/15/2005) Profile | Blog! | Contact Today there are all kinds of fruit and vegetable washes on the market to buy. While in a health food store, not long ago, I asked the store owner what she uses to clean her fresh produce with at home. She replied "liquid dishsoap and water". I no longer purchase the $4.95 bottle of veggie wash, as I used to, when I have dishsoap as a staple anyway! By Terri Cleaning Fruits and Veggies Post by ThriftyFun (4042) | (08/01/2005) Profile | Blog! | Contact To clean veggies and fruits from store or after harvest, put in a clean basin or sink with 1/4 cup vinegar and tablespoon of salt and it will draw out dirt and bugs. It helps clean off the wax film sprayed on by commercial growers, and helps clean off any pesticides that may be on them. I let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse with clear water. By Dee RE: Washing Fruits and Vegetables Post By Judy (Guest Post) (05/10/2005) May not be a good idea for someone on a low salt diet as with hypertension. The baking soda is the same as salt and can be absorbed into the vegetables especially if they are eaten raw adding additional salt to your diet. by Judy RN Baking Soda Post by ThriftyFun (4042) | (05/09/2005) Profile | Blog! | Contact Bicarbonate Soda is a good way to disinfect many of your fresh fruits and veggies (such as tomatoes or apples, etc). Just sprinkle with a little baking soda, cover with cold water, and soak a while. After about 15 minutes, I scrub softly with a brush for vegetables and then rinse the vegetables. By Shirley Johnson