Washing Produce

MAKE THE MOST OF OUR FRESH PRODUCE EVEN BEFORE YOU COOK IT

When you get those fruits and vegetables home, GIVE ‘EM A BATH:
• Wipe down any work surfaces
• Thoroughly wash your hands
• Rinse produce under warm – not hot – running water for about 30 seconds, removing any visible signs of dirt
• Place on a clean towel and/or dry gently with a paper towel
This removes 98% of bacteria

EXTRA CLEANING:
• To go the extra mile and remove any potentially oil-based chemicals, place produce in a clean bowl of 3 parts water to 1 part white distilled vinegar OR baking soda and let soak 5-10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry

BONUS TIPS:
• Scrub thick-skinned produce – like melons, citrus and potatoes – with a food-safe brush while you wash even if you don’t plan to eat the rind or peel to prevent possible cross contamination when peeling or cutting
• Take apart greens – like lettuce – and wash leaves individually
• Wash herbs, gently shake off excess water and lay on towels to dry, blotting with a paper towel. Then roll them up in a clean dry paper towel and refrigerate (or place stems in a glass of water)
• Avoid soaking or over-washing porous produce – like strawberries and mushrooms – which will retain the extra water, affecting both taste and longevity
• Don’t forget your groceries: wipe down non-porous containers – bottles, jars and cans – with a disinfecting cleaner, rinse thoroughly with hot water and let dry.
• Disinfect any surfaces touched by shopping bags

WHEN BATHTIME IS OVER:
• Be sure to clean all work surfaces and utensils
• Now get cookin’!