You’ve probably been told your whole life to wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat them. But do you know why it’s so important? Well, you may be surprised to learn that doing this simple task is essential for your health. In this article, you find out about all of the different reasons why you should be washing your produce. From preventing illness to getting rid of pesticides, some of the reasons may shock you! So make sure to read on for some valuable information.
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The Proper Way To Wash Produce
Eating fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but it’s just as important to properly wash them first. The best approach is to use cold water and a vegetable brush, such as a soft-bristled brush or one with a hard-plastic handle for tougher skins. Once all visible dirt is removed, you should rinse the produce thoroughly under cold running water.
For leafy greens or those with crevices, use your fingers to rub off any remaining dirt or residue. To ensure security from contaminants even further, try adding some vinegar or lemon juice to the final rinse. Following these steps will ensure that your produce is safe and clean for consumption.
Reasons You Should Be Washing Your Fruits And Vegetables
Even if it is something you have already been doing for as long as you can remember, you may be surprised to learn about all of the different reasons why you should be washing your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Here are some of the most important ones:
Remove E Coli
Removing E. Coli is undoubtedly one of the most important purposes of washing; this type of bacteria can cause diseases like food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and traveler’s diarrhea. You might naturally assume only food purchased at the local grocery store may contain this bacteria, but even fruits and vegetables straight from your garden could be harboring these germs if not properly cleaned before consumption.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to properly clean your produce to help minimize the risk of these illnesses occurring. For your safety and everyone who eats your food, spending an extra few minutes creating a soapy solution or running your produce through cold running water is absolutely worth it!
Get Rid Of Bugs
It’s easy to forget the importance of washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them, especially when they look completely clean without any visible residue. However, what you cannot see can still be a cause for concern. One of the main benefits of washing produce is the removal of microscopic bugs that may be present.
Symptoms from ingesting these bugs may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and can ultimately lead to serious intestinal problems if not addressed in time. Thus, by taking the necessary precautions, you not only prevent food poisoning but also enjoy a more pleasant eating experience.
Avoid Consuming Salmonella
Salmonella is another particular danger to consider when selecting uncooked produce, as this type of bacteria can be found on fresh produce, particularly if it has not been grown under safe, clean conditions. Consuming this type of bacteria can lead to severe stomach pain and diarrhea, as well as other serious illnesses.
If you’re planning on eating your fruit or veggies raw, washing them thoroughly with cold water removes potential salmonella contamination and allows for a safe and enjoyable eating experience. And although taking the time to clean your fruits and vegetables may seem like a boring chore, it is worth the effort; after all, who wants to risk ingesting dangerous organisms like salmonella?
Keep Flies Away
Along with protecting yourself from what is already on the produce, washing your fruits and vegetables also helps to keep unwanted flies away. Flies can carry bacteria and other contaminants that can ruin the freshness of your food. In some cases, flies can even lay eggs on the produce, making it unsafe to consume.
The reason washing helps to prevent these insects from accessing your food is that it helps to remove any lingering odors and makes it difficult for flies to detect. It’s also a good idea to store your produce in sealed containers or bags, as this can help further reduce the presence of flies.
Remove Listeria
Along with the other bacteria on this list, some fruits and veggies also have the potential to be tainted with listeria. Listeria is a deadly bacteria that can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, headaches and confusion. Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables helps reduce potential contamination by rinsing off any dirt or bacteria present, thus removing listeria from your food supply.
Additionally, listeria contamination may not be visible in its early stages, which makes washing even more imperative. While peeling may help too, it does not always guarantee full removal of the bacteria so washing should always be done. Taking a few extra moments to wash your fresh produce can help ensure that your family is well protected from any dangerous microorganisms.
Reduce Pesticides
What many may not realize is that reducing the amount of pesticides found on your produce can be an important factor in reducing negative health impacts. And washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly is one great way to do this. Not only can it help remove dirt, dust, and other particles, but also residual amounts of pesticides that are mixed in with them.
By washing your produce before you eat it, you can reduce much of your risk for consuming excess chemicals that your body may not be able to process. It might seem like a small step, but being mindful of what goes into your body can have a big impact on overall health!
Prevent Cross Contamination
It’s important to remember that fruits and vegetables can be dangerous when contaminated by bacteria or other unwanted organisms. If you’re thinking of eating something raw, it’s best to make sure it is washed thoroughly before consuming. Cross-contamination happens when foods touch surfaces or each other that have been exposed to other, possibly hazardous items; washing off produce with water helps in preventing this from happening.
Along with proper washing, make sure your items are packaged separately and keep them away from any raw meats that could cause the food items to get contaminated. Proper handwashing practices after handling uncooked meals also helps protect against bacteria from being transferred from person to person or food item to food item.
Remember, Washing Your Fruits And Vegetables Is Essential!
Washing your fruits and vegetables can be one of the simplest, yet most important things you do when it comes to protecting yourself from contamination. It not only helps to keep potentially harmful bacteria away, but also reduces the amount of residue that is left on produce that could potentially harm your health. By taking a few extra moments out of your day to give your produce an extra rinse, you can ensure that your food is safe and tasty! So don’t forget to wash the next time you want to reap the health benefits of fresh produce!
