Cooking Basics: How To Clean Fruits And Vegetables

If you’re learning to cook, you will quickly find out that food safety is one of the most important parts of Cooking 101.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, around 48 million people get sick from contaminated food – and a lot of these sicknesses come from fruits and vegetables. Whether it’s from the handling process, animal contamination or problems with the soil, these foods can sometimes contain germs that lead to foodbo​urne illness.

However, being vigilant about cleaning your fruits and vegetables before cooking can greatly reduce the instances of foodbourne illness. Here are some tips to make sure your produce is as healthy as possible:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling these foods.
• If you see any bruising, simply cut out the affected areas.
• Clean the produce under a stream of running water and gently rub the fruit or vegetable.
• Make sure to clean the produce before peeling so bacteria doesn’t have a chance to seep through.
• If needed, use a vegetable brush – soaps or produce washes aren’t usually necessary.
• Dry your fruits and vegetables thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.