Washing produce, even if you plan to peel it, removes surface bacteria, pesticides, and dirt that can transfer to the edible portion during peeling or cutting. This prevents contamination and potential illness.
Even if you're planning to peel fruits or vegetables, washing them beforehand is crucial for food safety. Here's why:
Surface Contamination: Produce can carry harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria on its surface. These pathogens can cause foodborne illnesses.
Pesticide Residue: Fruits and vegetables are often treated with pesticides to protect them from pests. Washing helps remove pesticide residue that could be harmful if ingested.
Dirt and Debris: Produce can accumulate dirt, soil, and other debris during harvesting, transportation, and storage. Washing removes these impurities.
Cross-Contamination: When you peel or cut unwashed produce, your knife or peeler can transfer contaminants from the outer surface to the edible portion. This is especially true for produce with crevices or uneven surfaces.
Handling: Many people handle produce before you buy it. Washing removes any germs or bacteria left behind by other shoppers.
Simply rinsing produce under running water can significantly reduce the risk of contamination. For produce with thick skins or crevices, use a scrub brush to remove dirt and debris more effectively.
Don't use soap or detergent to wash produce, as these can leave harmful residues. Instead, use plain water or a commercially available produce wash specifically designed for this purpose.