You’ve probably been told to wash a lot of foods before preparing them. Sometimes, this is good advice, but sometimes it isn’t. In some cases, it adds no benefits, and in others, it can cause harm or ruin the foods. Let’s look at some examples.
Meat and Poultry
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Cross-contamination is the occurrence of spreading bacteria and other germs from one thing to others. Washing meat can result in cross-contamination of counters, plates, and utensils. The cooking process is sufficient for killing off germs.
Seafood
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Cross-contamination is also a concern with washing fish. Plus, fish often is softer and more delicate, so the washing process can damage the texture.
Eggs
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Eggs have already been washed in the production process. Washing them again increases the chance of damaging the shell, and washing them can remove a protective coating that prevents the spread of bacteria. Also cracked shells are a cross-contamination risk.
Mushrooms
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Mushrooms are highly absorbent, which is one of the reasons they’re so delicious in gravies and sauces. That same absorbency means you can ruin them if you pre-wash them, though.
Pasta
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You’re about to boil it or bake it, so why would you pre-wash it? There’s no benefit, and you can remove the starch, which can ruin its quality and how it cooks.
Pre-Washed Lettuce and Other Greens
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If the package says it’s already been washed, then it’s good to go. Washing it yourself may make you feel better, but it’s not really doing anything and might make the food soggy.
Steak
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Yes, we mentioned beef in general already, but steak merits its own mention. That’s because in addition to the other concerns, washing it can remove the natural juices. This can dry it out and ruin the texture and flavor.
Packaged Quinoa
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Bulk quinoa often has a bitter taste if you don’t pre-wash it. It’s due to a natural compound that deters birds and bugs from eating it while growing. Packaged quinoa has usually already been washed and lacks this compound.
Rice
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U.S. manufacturers used to add talc to rice in order to make it appear whiter, so many people washed it off before cooking. They no longer add talc in the U.S., so washing rice beforehand usually isn’t necessary and may remove the starch, affecting taste and quality.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
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They’ve already been cleaned, so no additional washing is needed. Besides, unless you’re thawing them and eating them uncooked, the cooking process will take care of any germs that may be present.
Corn on the Cob
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The husk protects the kernels pretty well in the first place. Moreover, if you’re grilling or boiling it, that will kill germs. Washing it can remove the occasional worm that got in, but in that case, you probably won’t want to eat the corn, anyway.
Bread
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This should go without saying, but you shouldn’t wash bread before eating or heating it. It can make it really soggy. If you’re concerned about germs, keep the bread well-sealed and prepare it in a toaster or oven.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
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The “Sell by” date on food packaging tells how long the food can stay on shelves, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s when it expires. On the other hand, the “Best by” or “Use by” date is something to really pay attention to.
Some foods can be fine well past that date, but others don’t, and consuming them can lead to food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, or worse. Following are some foods you should never consume after they expire.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
10 Beers Americans Can’t Stop Guzzling
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Each generation has its favorites when it comes to everything from apps to restaurants. They have clear preferences for certain beers as well. Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millenials each have favorite beers that are their go-to beverage for a night out.
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