When food arrives at nutritionist Jessica Shand’s home, she immediately starts the “detoxing” process. This thorough cleaning routine goes beyond just rinsing fruits and vegetables under the tap. It helps remove harmful chemicals that plants are exposed to while growing, as well as bacteria and parasites like cyclospora.
If you don’t have time for this routine, Shand suggests peeling the skin off fruits and vegetables (though she admits this isn’t always possible). However, she adds that doing so means you miss out on “gut-feeding fiber and a range of nutrients.” So, here’s what she does instead:
Should you still wash organic fruit and vegetables?
In short, yes. “Toxin exposure is less of a concern with organic produce, but it’s still handled and exposed to other potential contaminants, so it’s best to wash everything before eating,” Shand says. This has also been a way cyclospora has spread in the past.
Can you trust pre-washed labels?
Labels that say “washed and ready to eat” might seem like a convenient luxury, but they can actually spread disease. “This includes bagged salads too. The salad could be washed with toxic chemicals by manufacturers, like chlorine and bleach, so rinsing off that chemical residue is essential and quick to do.” In the past, triple-washed bagged salads have been directly linked to outbreaks of E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. So, it’s better to be safe than very, very sorry.
How to clean fruits and vegetables
1. Place all produce in a (clean) sink filled with fresh water (filtered water is even better). Add one part apple cider vinegar to three parts water, or just a big splash. Apple cider vinegar has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it a great natural option for detoxing your produce. You can also use plain white vinegar in the same ratio, or baking soda—add one teaspoon to two cups of water.
2. For items with thicker skin (like apples, zucchinis, or potatoes), use a vegetable brush to gently scrub each piece, then let them soak for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse them twice under running water to fully remove any vinegar residue. If you’re washing something more delicate, like berries, put them in a colander and submerge them in the water for no more than five minutes—any longer and they’ll turn mushy.
3. Take everything out of the sink and gently dry it with a tea towel. Place berries on a clean tea towel and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then let them air dry (I usually leave them out for an hour).
4. Transfer everything into glass containers (not plastic) and put them in the fridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about properly washing fruits and vegetables based on expert advice
Beginner Questions
1 Do I really need to wash fruits and vegetables if Im going to peel them
Yes Even if you peel a banana orange or avocado dirt and bacteria on the peel can transfer to the inside flesh when you cut or handle it Always wash the outside first
2 Should I use soap dish detergent or a special produce wash
No Experts strongly advise against using soap detergent or commercial produce washes These can leave a residue on the food that is not safe to eat Plain cool tap water is all you need
3 Is it safe to wash berries ahead of time and store them
Its better to wash berries right before you eat them Washing them early adds moisture which promotes mold and spoilage If you must wash them ahead dry them very thoroughly in a salad spinner or on a clean towel before refrigerating
Intermediate Practical Questions
4 Whats the best method for washing leafy greens like lettuce or spinach
Separate the leaves place them in a large bowl of cool water and swish them around with your hands Let the dirt settle at the bottom then lift the leaves out Repeat with fresh water if needed then dry in a salad spinner or with paper towels
5 How do I wash mushrooms without making them soggy
Mushrooms are like sponges Instead of soaking them gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or a soft brush If they are very dirty give them a quick rinse under running water and pat them dry immediately
6 What is the best way to clean firm produce like apples potatoes and cucumbers
Use a clean vegetable brush under cool running water Scrubbing the skin helps remove wax dirt and pesticide residue more effectively than rinsing alone
7 How do I wash delicate produce like raspberries or grapes
Place them in a colander and rinse gently under cool running water Do not soak them For grapes you can leave them on the stem to wash just cut them off afterward Pat dry with a clean towel
Advanced ExpertLevel Questions
8 Does washing with vinegar or baking soda kill more bacteria than water
Not significantly for home use While vinegar can kill some