We all know that fruits and vegetables are good to eat every day, for a balanced diet. However, in order to be sure that their consumption does not hide risks, it is equally important to make sure that the products we consume – apart from being fresh – are also clean.
The right way to wash vegetables and fruits?
We have read many times about the right way to wash fruits. Others suggest soaping the fruit and others simply insist on washing thoroughly with running water. But what is the right way? The truth is that even experts in food hygiene and hygiene are divided. They agree, however, that cleaning with soap or dishwashing liquid is prohibited. This is because fruits and vegetables contain pores on their outer surface through which part of the chemicals will enter inside them.
How, then, can we be sure that we have cleaned our vegetables properly?
Step 1: Under running water we rinse the soil, the bugs and microorganisms. Whether we eat fresh, or cook, or peel or not, this step is essential for all our fruits and vegetables. Especially vegetables such as lettuce, need thorough washing as they can hold dirt in their inner recesses.
Step 2: To remove microorganisms you can clean your vegetables with water and vinegar. Soak them for a few minutes in a basin made of a solution of clean water and vinegar. Then drip the solution and rinse again under running water.
In this way you wash all the apples, pears, broccoli, spinach, various greens, lettuce, tomatoes, but also herbs such as dill. Fruits and vegetables that have a soft shell and have pores on their surface such as grapes, berries, strawberries, it is good to use lemon juice instead of vinegar, so as not to alter their taste.
Finally, let them dry well before eating.
Remember:
- All nature products need to be cleaned equally thoroughly. Even organic or products from your own garden. They may not contain pesticides but they certainly contain soil and microorganisms of nature.
- There are now special cleaning products on the market for washing fruits, vegetables and more, which make the whole process much easier.