How does peeling and rinsing relate when prepping produce?

Question

Should you peel or rinse first? Learn the correct order of operations for prepping produce to ensure you don't transfer dirt to the flesh.

Answer 1

Peeling removes the outer layer of produce, while rinsing washes away dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants. Rinsing should always follow peeling to remove any remaining residue.

Detailed Explanation:

Peeling involves removing the outer skin or rind of fruits and vegetables. This is often done to improve texture, remove tough or bitter layers, or eliminate potential contaminants that may be present on the surface. However, the act of peeling can transfer dirt or bacteria from the peel to the edible portion of the produce.

Rinsing, on the other hand, is the process of washing produce under running water. This helps to remove loose dirt, debris, pesticide residue, and any microorganisms that may be present. Rinsing is crucial even if you plan to peel the produce, as it minimizes the risk of transferring contaminants during the peeling process.

Therefore, the correct order is to rinse the produce *after* peeling. This ensures that any contaminants that may have been transferred during peeling are washed away, leaving you with clean and safe produce to consume.

Pro Tip:

For produce with a lot of crevices or a rough surface, use a vegetable brush while rinsing to effectively remove dirt and debris.