7 "Dirtiest" Foods to Clean Thoroughly Before Eating
We all know that washing vegetables and fruits before eating is safer, but we often overlook the importance of cleaning some other foods. Below, let's look at how to clean 7 of the "dirtiest" foods!
Frozen Scallions: Dirt Hides Inside
In winter, many families keep frozen scallions. However, research has found that scallions can easily contain parasites like *Cryptosporidium* and *Salmonella*. When frozen scallions are taken out and left at room temperature, bacteria can easily grow.
How to avoid: Turn your faucet to the maximum to wash away dirt, and peel the outer layers of the scallion while cleaning.
Chicken: Actually Very Dirty
An experiment on 484 broiler chickens found that 42% were infected with *Campylobacter* and 12% with *Salmonella*. The latest survey reveals that Americans eat 70 pounds (1 pound = 0.9072 jin) of chicken per person each year, more than beef, pork, and free-range chicken combined.
How to avoid: After buying chicken, first soak it in clean water instead of placing it directly on a roasting pan. This shortcut can prevent infections from chicken and other foods. Remember to clean your knife and cutting board when preparing the meat.
Ground Beef: Hides Many Bacteria
A survey of beef in hamburgers found it contains 53% *Clostridium perfringens*, 30% *Staphylococcus*, and 12% *Listeria*.
How to avoid: Don't buy pre-ground beef directly. Instead, buy a whole piece of beef, soak it in water, wash it thoroughly, and then chop it into mince with a clean knife. Adding fresh tallow to the beef can also prevent the growth of *E. coli*.
Eggs: Bacteria Hide Beneath a Smooth Surface
Although pasteurization has reduced the amount of *Salmonella* in eggs to very low levels, bacteria can still be present. When buying eggs, be sure to check each one for cracks, as bacteria can easily get in through them.
How to avoid: Store eggs in their carton in the coolest part of the refrigerator. Remember to wash your hands after handling eggs.
Oysters: Best Not to Eat Raw
Oysters contain norovirus (a pathogen found in the ocean), *Campylobacter*, and *Vibrio*, which can lead to diarrhea.
How to avoid: It's simple: just eat cooked oysters.
Peaches: Don't Ignore the Fuzz and Pesticides
To make peaches look smooth and clean, farmers apply pesticides several weeks before harvesting. It is reported that by the time peaches reach consumers, their surfaces are covered with up to 9 layers of pesticides.
How to avoid: Before eating peaches, be sure to use a sponge or brush to wash off the fuzz and pesticides.
Cold Cuts: Deliciousness Hides Big Trouble
Cold cuts (deli meats) can easily harbor *Listeria*, as it thrives in cold environments.
How to avoid: Applying mustard to cold cuts can kill 90% of *Listeria*, *E. coli*, and *Salmonella* within 2 hours. Buying fresh cold cuts can also prevent a large amount of bacteria from growing.