Fruits and Vegetables
There’s more to washing fruits and vegetables than cleaning off visible dirt and grit. Thoroughly washing your produce before eating or cooking it helps remove harmful germs that can cause illness.
HOW TO WASH
Tips for Thoroughly Washing Your Produce
Leafy Greens, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Firm Fruits and Vegetables
Delicate Fruits and Vegetables
Root and Tuber Vegetables
Mushrooms
Separate and soak leaves or florets in a large bowl of cold water for one to two minutes, drain the leaves in a colander and dry with a clean towel or using a salad spinner.
Rub with your hands while holding under a heavy stream of cold water and dry in a colander if needed.
Turn gently in your hands while holding under a soft stream of cold water and spread on a clean towel to dry.
Using a vegetable brush, scrub while holding under a heavy stream of cold water and dry using a clean towel.
Swirl in a colander while spraying with a heavy stream of cold water and transfer to a clean towel to dry.
Things to keep in mind while washing and preparing fruits and vegetables:
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling produce.
Wash produce before peeling or cutting it, even if you don’t plan to eat the skin.
Wait to wash produce until just before eating or cooking it.
