HC Recommends More Frequent Hand Washing
There is a common misconception that washing fruits and vegetables just a couple of times with water is sufficient to effectively clean them. However, this is not the case, as such minimal washing is inadequate to completely eliminate hidden dirt, soil, debris, and parasites.
Several experts conducted experiments on washing fruits and vegetables contaminated with parasites, using clean water for a total of three washes. However, even after retesting, the percentage of parasites found remained at 50.1%.
Study Shows Soaking before Cooking is Unnecessary
Some women are choosing to soak fruits and vegetables in hot water before cooking due to food safety concerns. However, experts caution that this practice might result in the removal of cancer-fighting compounds and beneficial vitamins found in the produce.
“Ways to Effectively Wash Fruits and Vegetables”
To maintain clean fruits and vegetables, it is important to follow these steps:
- To ensure optimal cleanliness, it is advised to submerge the freshly harvested produce in water for approximately 5 to 10 minutes prior to washing. If possible, utilizing rice-washing water is recommended.
- It is recommended to remove the stems of leafy vegetables, as they sometimes contain residual chemicals.
- To ensure the cleanliness of fruits and vegetables, a 5% saltwater solution can be used for washing.
It is recommended to thoroughly wash and peel root vegetables before consumption, as they can potentially contain higher levels of preservatives.
It is recommended to wash fruits under running water, ensuring proper hygiene. For soft fruits or vegetables, it is advisable to handle them with care to avoid bruising or compromising their flavor.
After washing your hands thoroughly, use a clean paper towel to wipe away any remaining bacteria.
It is recommended to open packaged produce outdoors to allow any residual pesticide residue to disperse.
To enhance your knowledge on selecting and effectively cleansing fruits and vegetables for hygiene and safeguarding your family’s well-being, we offer these informative insights. We encourage you to implement these measures promptly.
