Contributed by Angela Cleveland

Each year, we hear of food poisoning and contamination cases caused by undercooked or improperly stored meat. However, unwashed or poorly stored produce can be the source of many problems as well. The good news is that we are all off to a good start. By buying organic produce, we don’t have to worry about pesticide residues. But, we do have to worry about dust, soil, and microrganisms, such as harmful pathogens and dangerous bacteria, that can be picked up during harvesting, handling, and packing.

The Best Method of Washing

So what is the best method to ensure that we are eating fresh, clean produce? It’s simple: fresh, clean water. Studies show that thoroughly washing produce under cool running water removes soil and harmful organisms. Warm water can also be used on some veggies and fruit to bring out their flavour and aroma.

Other Important Tips

It is important to refrigerate your produce as soon as you get it, especially in the spring and summer when warm temperatures can cause bacteria to multiply. Most veggies should be stored in your refrigerator’s crisper. The higher humidity in the crisper is better for the produce. Fruits and veggies should be washed just before they are going to be used. Never let them sit in water as soaking causes them to lose water soluble vitamins. Also, never store wet produce – it promotes bacterial growth. Dry your produce with a towel or paper towel to prevent any bacteria that may be remaining in the water. Always cut away bruised or damaged areas where bacteria might be thriving.

Those Tricky Veggies

Here are some examples of how to wash those tricky veggies:

Broccoli and Cauliflower: break the heads apart and wash each one individually.

Carrots, potatoes, and other root crops: scrub with a vegetable brush (or something simliar) especially if you are going to leave the peel on.

Lettuce and cabbage: Rinse leaves separately and discard any brown or wilted pieces.

Strawberries and other delicate fruit: Remove leafy stems (this is a good place for bacteria to multiply). Place fruit in a wire basket or colander and sprayed with clean water using a spray bottle.

Oranges, bananas, melons, and other fruit eaten without the peel: Any bacteria on the peel can be transferred from our hand or knife onto the fruit. To avoid cross contamination, wash the peels before eating the fruit.

Sprouts: Sprouts should be thoroughly washed under running water. Do not eat any sprouts that appear brown or wilted.

So enjoy all your fruits and veggies…just be sure to wash them first!

Ingredients

n/a

Instructions

n/a

Read more recipes