In Order To Stay Safe For Consumption, Here's How To Wash Fruits And Vegetables Correctly According To Experts

Illustration (Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants needed by the body. In order not to turn into a dangerous weapon for the body, fruits and vegetables should be washed before processing. Washing fruits and vegetables serves to remove residue that sticks to the surface.

Kitchen secrets handed down from generation to generation reveal that fruits and vegetables can be washed with soap, vinegar, lemon water, and even special cleaning fluids. Launching Kompas, Friday, September 24, health and food safety experts, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not recommend using these materials for washing food ingredients.

The FDA and CDC still advise the public to clean fruit and vegetables using plain running water. If there are rotten parts, it is best to cut them off before washing. Wash fruits and vegetables before peeling to prevent bacteria from entering the flesh.

Furthermore, Glenda R. Lewis, MSPH from the FDA explained how to wash fruits and vegetables properly as follows;

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after cleaning fresh foodstuffs Cut off rotten or bruised parts before washing When washing, scrub fruit and vegetables while holding them under running water Use a special brush to clean foodstuffs with hard skins, such as melons or watermelon Dry food ingredients with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce the appearance of bacteria

Remember, fresh food ingredients should not be washed until they are actually consumed. Washing fruits and vegetables before storing will only grow bacteria.