Knowing how to clean fruit and vegetables is essential to get rid of microbes, pesticides, and soil. What is the best way to wash fruit? Although vinegar and baking soda are effective methods, water is the best approach.
Research has shown that brushing and rubbing fresh produce under cold running water is as effective as using a vinegar solution to reduce bacteria on fresh produce. Read on to learn about the best way to clean fruits and vegetables, as well as other safety tips. easy potato cutter
Washing fruit and vegetables rinses away microbes, pesticides, and soil. You'll sometimes see visible soil on leafy green vegetables, which can be unappetizing and add a gritty texture to your meal. In contrast, you cannot see microbes, including bacteria (e.g., E. coli and Salmonella) and viruses. It's essential to wash produce thoroughly to reduce your foodborne illness risk.
Pesticide residue might lead to negative health effects, including:
Washing and soaking reduce but do not eliminate pesticide residue levels. Peeling your produce, when appropriate, can reduce pesticide residues more effectively than washing.
It's important to note that the benefits of eating five servings of produce daily far outweigh the risks of pesticides. You can protect your health by consuming fruits and vegetables, in other words, even if washing does not completely remove pesticide residue.
Some evidence suggests organic produce contains lower levels of pesticide residue compared to conventionally grown produce. There is not much research, however, about if there are measurable health benefits to choosing organic produce. You must wash both organic and conventional fresh produce before eating it.
Vinegar is a natural way to clean produce. You can soak or spray your fruit and vegetables with vinegar. The soak method is best for small produce, such as blueberries, Brussels sprouts, cherries, and cherry tomatoes.
Here's how to soak produce in vinegar:
In contrast, you may use the spray method for large produce, including apples, bell peppers, broccoli, and peaches. Add the vinegar to a spray bottle. Place the produce in a bowl or container and spray the solution thoroughly. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes before rinsing the produce, and then pat to dry.
Research has shown that baking soda can effectively remove germs, pesticides, and soil. Here's how to clean produce with baking soda:
Wash produce thoroughly under cold running water and then dry it thoroughly. Make sure you scrub firm produce like cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
Other tips for keeping your fruits and vegetables safe to eat include:
You can consume "pre-washed, ready-to-eat" items, such as bagged greens or baby carrots, without further washing. Talk to a grocer or grower if you are unsure whether an item should be washed or refrigerated to keep its quality.
A diet rich in produce boosts your intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help manage your weight, improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and reduce your risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
Just make sure that your produce is safe to eat to get the most benefits from including more on your plate. Aim for a variety of types and colors to expose your body to a broad spectrum of the health-protective compounds found in fruits and vegetables.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Job exposures that can impact your fertility and hormones.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pesticides – reproductive health.
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