Some people say that eating fruits and vegetables with their skins on exposes you to too many pesticides, which can cause cancer. Others insist that you must eat them with the skins on to get the nutrients. This leaves people in a dilemma. Can something as simple as a piece of fruit peel really be that complicated? Just as it's impossible to boil spinach perfectly, eating fruit can also have its drawbacks. Here are 6 methods for washing different types of fruits and vegetables:
1. A clever way to wash fruit is to use salt.
When washing fruit, you can use salt. After wetting the surface of the fruit with water, sprinkle a little salt on it. Then, hold the apple in both hands and rub it gently back and forth. The dirt on the surface will be cleaned off quickly. Rinse it with water afterward, and it's ready to be eaten safely.
Principle: This method uses the granular nature of salt to increase friction, and salt is also very clean.
2. Fruits and vegetables with edible skins.
Examples: Apples, peaches, tomatoes, zucchini, etc.
Washing method: Rub under running tap water for 30-60 seconds. Stubborn stains can be scrubbed with a vegetable brush or your fingers. However, softer fruits like peaches should not be scrubbed too hard to avoid damaging the skin.
3. Fruits and vegetables with peels to be removed.
Examples: Melons like watermelon and cantaloupe, oranges, bananas, etc.
Washing method: Use a vegetable brush or a new, unused toothbrush to scrub the skin under running tap water for 30-60 seconds. Although the skins of these fruits are generally not eaten directly, they often pass through many hands, so their surfaces (especially in crevices) can easily become contaminated with bacteria. When you peel or cut them, bacteria from the skin can transfer to the flesh.
4. Cluster-type fruits and vegetables.
Examples: Various berries and grapes.
Washing method: After removing the stems, place the cluster in a colander. Rinse under the running tap water spray for at least 60 seconds.
5. Leafy greens and vegetables.
Examples: Spinach, lettuce, etc.
Washing method: Remove the outer, older leaves. Rinse under cool running water for 30-60 seconds. Then, let them dry. Even if leafy greens have been washed before sale, it's best to give them a quick rinse again before cooking.