Photo: Omar Ramadan

Should vegetables be washed in cold or warm water?

Always use cool, drinkable water to wash fruits and vegetables. With the recent foodborne outbreaks related to produce, consumers, more than ever, have heightened concerns over the safety of fresh produce. Therefore, it is essential to know how to prevent foodborne illnesses related to these foods.

extension.umaine.edu - Bulletin #4336, Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Are canned vegetables OK on keto diet?

Yes, canned vegetables are keto-friendly! Raw or fresh vegetables will have more fiber which will lower the net carb amount per cup. You really do...

Last updated Sep 28, 2022

How can I stop craving chocolate everyday?

You can beat your chocolate craving by filling up on something else. Once you aren't hungry anymore, the intrusive thoughts about chocolate should...

Last updated Apr 7, 2018

Promotion

Food Safety Facts

By Jason Bolton, Extension Professor and Food Safety Specialist, and Robson Machado, Assistant Extension Professor and Food Science Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.

Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu/publications/.

With the recent foodborne outbreaks related to produce, consumers, more than ever, have heightened concerns over the safety of fresh produce. Therefore, it is essential to know how to prevent foodborne illnesses related to these foods. Washing fruits and vegetables is the best way to reduce your risks for foodborne illness. This publication will explore the procedures for proper produce washing and handling. In addition, the effectiveness of commercial fruit and vegetable cleaners will be investigated. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will keep us healthy. Research has shown that eating fresh produce reduces the risk of some cancers and other diseases. Due to promotions such as My Plate, people in the U.S. are encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables as a part of their regular diet. On the other hand, we also hear safety warnings about raw fruits and vegetables. With the News reporting E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella outbreaks related to produce, consumers are becoming aware of the risks associated with consuming these foods. Fruits and vegetables are often consumed raw, without cooking to destroy pathogens. Thus they are potential sources of foodborne illness. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), you should wash raw fruits and vegetables very well before you peel, cut, eat or cook with them. Washing reduces the bacteria that may be present on fresh produce.

What are the best ways to keep raw fruits and vegetables safe?

Wash your hands with hot soapy water before and after preparing food.

Clean and, in some cases, sanitize your countertop, cutting boards, and utensils before and after peeling produce and before cutting and chopping. Bacteria from the outside of raw produce can be transferred to the inside when it is cut or peeled. After preparing each food item, wash kitchen surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water.

Do not wash produce with soaps or detergents.

Use clean potable cool to room temperature water to wash items.

For produce with thick skin, use a vegetable brush to help wash away hard-to-remove microbes. Produce with a lot of nooks and crannies like cauliflower, broccoli, or lettuce should be soaked for 1 to 2 minutes in cool, potable water. Some produce, such as raspberries, should not be soaked in water. Put fragile produce in a clean colander and spray it with potable water. After washing, you can air dry or wipe down with a clean paper towel. This can remove more bacteria. Don’t forget that homegrown, farmers’ markets and grocery store fruits and vegetables should all be well washed.

How do I know if I'm bloated or fat?

Bloating Is Localized While Belly Fat Is Widespread One easy way to tell the difference between bloating and belly fat is that, with bloating, only...

Last updated Apr 9, 2018

What vitamin is good as a diuretic?

For example, vitamin C may act as a diuretic, causing the kidneys to remove more sodium and water from the body, which helps to relax the blood...

Last updated Jan 13, 2022

Promotion

There is no need to rewash packaged products labeled “ready-to-eat,” “washed,” or “triple washed.” Once cut or peeled, refrigerate as soon as possible at 40ºF or below.

Do not purchase cut produce that is not refrigerated.

How To: Washing Fruits and Vegetables (YouTube)

What are the best ways to wash leafy greens?

Leafy greens from the farmers market, grocery store, farm, or garden should be stored at 35-40°F within two hours of harvesting or purchasing. Wash greens by separating leaves and soaking them in a bowl of cool, potable water for a few minutes. Drain the greens using a strainer or colander and repeat this process. The goal here is dilution. Another technique is to presoak greens for five minutes in a mixture of vinegar and water (1/2 cup distilled white vinegar per two cups water), which should be followed by a clean water rinse. This has been shown to REDUCE but NOT eliminate bacteria contamination, and it may slightly aﬀect texture and taste. Drain leafy greens with a clean strainer or colander, then dry with a clean towel or salad spinner. Salad spinners should be thoroughly cleaned with warm soapy water and allowed to air dry after every use. Do not wash produce in soap and water. This is a bad idea as it is likely you will ingest soap residue, and this could lead to diarrhea or vomiting. Help prevent food-borne illness from striking you and your family. Wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Originally developed by Alfred Bushway, Kristi Crowe, and Mahmoud El-Begearmi, University of Maine Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Cooperative Extension. Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

© 2004, 2011, 2013, 2020, 2022

Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit extension.umaine.edu. The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

extension.umaine.edu - Bulletin #4336, Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Can I use banana to break my fast?

They contain healthy carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that will quickly replenish your body. It is , however, important to note that...

Last updated Jan 26, 2022

What does mom fit jeans mean?

Look at 90s mom-jean inspo and you'll see mom jeans are high-waisted with less stretch - like classic denim - and are cut to have a baggy fit...

Last updated Sep 10, 2021

Promotion

Can I do keto 6 days a week?

Some people choose to have five or six days on keto followed by a day or two off. Others will do keto for 10 to 12 days followed by three to four...

Last updated Jan 17, 2020

Promotion

What are signs of muscle loss?

What are the symptoms of muscle atrophy? One arm or one leg is smaller than the other. Weakness in one arm and or one leg. Numbness or tingling in...

Last updated Nov 14, 2022