How do you wash fruit and veggies effectively?
When eating or preparing fruit and vegetables, you should wash them beforehand to get rid of pesticides, bacterias, fertilizers, etc. However, I notice that I (and others I know), just put the thing for a few seconds under cold running water while rubbing it softly.
Is this quick rinse enough to remove those unwanted things or at least some of them? What big of a proportion are washed away by this?
I've found this question, but I'm not satisfied with it.
Best Answer
Pesticide reduction by simply rinsing with tap water is significant, but doesn't remove everything. Of those tested 75% were removed with plain tap water. http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=2815&q=376676
You can quickly blanch your fruit or vegetables to sanitize the outer skin. http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/blanching.html
A mild vinegar solution can help fruits and vegetables last longer in the fridge. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14540742
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Quick Answer about "How do you wash fruit and veggies effectively?"
Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There's no need to use soap or a produce wash. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.What is the best way to disinfect fruits and vegetables?
Wash or scrub fruits and vegetables under running water\u2014even if you do not plan to eat the peel. Germs on the peel or skin can get inside fruits and vegetables when you cut them. Washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash is not recommended .How do you clean fruits and vegetables naturally?
Porous produce could absorb the soap or any other cleaning products. Instead, you can clean some fresh fruits and vegetables in a solution of a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar mixed with one cup of water.How do you deep clean vegetables?
Add 1 cup of white vinegar and submerge your fruits and vegetables in the water. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain the water and give the produce a quick rinse. To dry, lay the produce out on a kitchen towel until completely dry or hand dry each piece individually.What can I soak fruit in to clean it?
Washing fruit and vegetables in vinegar is a good way to remove potential bacteria. Use a solution of three parts water and one part vinegar. Plain water is also effective at removing most bacteria. Vinegar will not make produce last longer.How To: Washing Fruits and Vegetables to Remove Pesticides - aSimplySimpleLife
More answers regarding how do you wash fruit and veggies effectively?
Answer 2
People generally wash fruit and vegetables to remove dirt. Most of the dangerous "dirt" is post cropping
The rain washes away pesticides and fertilizers. In many growing operations pesticides and fertilizers are not used after the crop has significantly sprouted anyway
The main hard to remove dirt from the growing cycle is bird crap, and I an not convinced this is a major health hazard anyway once it has been sun dried
Accumulated dirt from the distribution and sales process is the big unknown. If you buy fruit and vegetables from you local farmers market this may not be such a big issue. Big city auction and supermarket sold fruit and vegetables will have gone through many hands and shipping processes, and should be washed to removed unintentional contamination
If you are concerned; wash as you would hand wash dishes. Agitate and soak in warm water and a little dish soap, brush hard surfaced fruit and vegetables, and then rinse fully in running water
Do not use strong solvents as these may actually draw contaminants into the fruit and vegetables.e.g. Ethanol dissolves heavy metal oxides which will be absorb-able by the fruit and vegetable skin
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