Our world’s current food system unfortunately provides many ways for produce to become contaminated. This contamination can be the result of our food being grown with pesticides, to the packaging process, to natural spoilage. Every now and then there are E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks that remind us that while pesticides and bacteria on produce are invisible to the naked eye, it does not mean they do not exist. Below I explore the pros and cons of washing your produce and the many washing options if you choose to go in that direction.
Should You Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables?
https://greeniacs.10web.site/GreeniacsArticles/Food-and-Beverage/Pesticide-Usage.html”>pesticides were not used in the growing process, there may be harmful bacteria in the soil or water where the produce was grown. It is also important to wash produce even if you are going to be peeling it so that bacteria does not transfer onto the peeler and then subsequently onto other food.2
Other tips the FDA gives in order to avoid contaminated produce is to only purchase fruits and vegetables that are not bruised or damaged, to only buy produce that is refrigerated or in ice if it is pre-cut, and to bag fruits and vegetables separately from meat and seafood products when shopping and checking out of the grocery store.3 As I wander around the grocery store these days, I see tons of pre-cut and packaged produce which claims to be pre-washed and therefore ready to eat. I have always wondered if I should wash this type of produce again once I get home, but the FDA states that if “pre-washed” is on the packaging, the product is safe to eat as is.4
In terms of the cons of washing produce before eating it, there are only a few minor downsides. First, some types of fruits and vegetables will get overripe faster than they would have if they hadn’t been washed. On the other hand, some believe that some types of produce benefit from washing as it prevents them from wilting or shriveling. Second, any excess water that remains on your fruit or vegetable after you put it in the fridge will evaporate and increase the humidity level in your fridge, which could cause odors to develop.5 Luckily, this downside can be easily avoided by wiping your produce dry with a clean dishtowel after you wash it.6 Last, and perhaps most importantly, some might say you are wasting a precious resource—clean water.
It is important to note that certain produce can be washed prior to refrigeration and certain produce should only be washed right before being eaten. Fruits and vegetables that can be washed prior to refrigeration include apples, asparagus, fresh herbs, greens (lettuce, kale, etc.), cut melon, and rhubarb. Produce that should not be washed prior to refrigeration includes berries, cherries, grapes, mushrooms, peppers, and yellow squash.7
Washing Options
iiIf you have decided to wash your produce, there is a spectrum of produce washing methods to choose from. Some simply rinse their produce off with tap water and pat them dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towel. Others prefer to use special washcloths and brushes to really scrub off pesticides and dirt. Interestingly enough, in light of increased knowledge about pesticide usage and food-borne illness outbreaks, a niche market of vegetable wash has emerged. However, the FDA states, “Washing fruits and vegetables with soap or detergent or using commercial produce washes is not recommended.”8 These products are not recommended because their effects have not been tested and standardized.9
Washing Methods
Colorado State University has published a very helpful list of common fruits and vegetables and the best way to clean them!10
- Leafy greens – Immerse the leaves in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. Blot with a towel or use a salad spinner to dry.
- Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc.) – Peel or wash with a firm vegetable brush under lukewarm, running water.
- Mushrooms – Wash with a soft brush to remove dirt.
- Herbs – Dip and swish herbs in a bowl of cool water and dry with a clean towel.
- Apples, cucumbers, and other firm produce – Wash or peel to remove wax preservative.
- Melons – Wash with a vegetable brush under running water.
- Peaches, plums, and other soft fruits – Wash under running water and dry with towel.
- Grapes, cherries, and berries – Store unwashed until ready to eat. Separate and discard spoiled or moldy fruit before storing to prevent the spread of mold. Wash under cool, running water right before eating.
Remember what is most important—eating 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily ☺
