Do we know how to clean fruits and vegetables? Many people might just put it in the sink and just rinse it with water. There are many ways of washing fruits and vegetables.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said that “we are not aware of any reports at this time of human illnesses that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.”
Although no statement said the virus can infect through food, there is no reason to keep your food clean and healthy, especially during the outbreaks.
Below are some ways of washing fruits and vegetables provided by the Los Angeles Times:
Lettuces and other leafy greens
Fill a large bowl with water and immerse the greens in it. Swish the greens around to loosen any grit, let stand for a minute so the grit can drop to the bottom of the bowl, then lift the greens out into a colander. If they’re sandy, repeat, rinsing the bowl clean first. Run the greens in the colander under cold water very thoroughly, using a sprayer if you have one.
Root vegetables
Since these grow in the dirt, they’re often quite, well, dirty. Scrub them under running water with handy vegetable brush. If you don’t have one, you can use your fingers to scrub off any caked-on dirt.
Mushrooms
Some chefs prefer to never let mushrooms get wet because they absorb water like a sponge, which makes them steam instead of sear in a hot pan. Wash them quickly swishing them in a colander under the hardest blast of water. If any clumps of dirt remain, pluck them off while rinsing. Immediately after rinsing, spread in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry.
Sturdy vegetables and fruits
For items such as green beans, asparagus, cucumbers, and grapes, rinse well under a high-pressure stream of water while rubbing with your hands. Let dry in a clean colander if needed.
Delicate vegetables and fruits
For soft stuff such as tomatoes, ripe stone fruit, and berries, rinse under a steady but low-pressure stream of water, turning the items gently with your hands to ensure all sides are rinsed but not bruised. Spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry so they don’t get crushed.
Source: Los Angeles Times