Before you dive head-first into that bag of potatoes you just purchased at the grocery store, you might want to consider giving them a good rinse. Here are six reasons why you should always wash produce when you get home.
Rinse Away Pesticides
Many fruits and vegetables are treated with pesticides to ward off pesky pests. While these chemicals keep crops safe, they can also find their way onto your plate and eventually into your stomach.
Washing your produce helps remove lingering pesticide residues, ensuring that you’re cooking with cleaner ingredients.
And we know what you’re thinking: I only buy organic produce, so I should be fine! That’s unfortunately not the case; it’s a myth that organic produce never means pesticides end up on your food, so it’s just safest to wash them as an extra precaution.
Rid Your Veggies and Fruits of Bacteria
You may not see them, but bacteria love to hitch a ride on your fresh produce. From E. coli to Salmonella, these unwelcome guests can wreak havoc on your digestive system and make you seriously sick.
A simple rinse under running warm water can significantly reduce the number of harmful bacteria, giving you peace of mind as you cook and enjoy your dinner. Try to avoid splashing the water everywhere, as this can displace the bacteria onto your counter rather than keeping it contained in your sink.
Keep Your Produce Fresh
Washing your fruits and vegetables can help maintain their freshness. Many produce items have a natural coating or wax that can trap dirt and moisture. By rinsing them off, you can keep them looking vibrant and delicious for longer.
Just make sure that any produce you plan to put in the fridge is dry first so it doesn’t go bad prematurely. There are also some pre-washed pre-packaged vegetables, like salad greens, that you can still wash if you’d like, but will probably keep their freshness better if you don’t rinse them a second time.
Enhance The Natural Flavors
Who would have thought that dirt can get in the way of a fruit’s natural sweetness? Seriously though, anything left on your produce is going to impact its flavor, and likely not in a good way.
And it’s not just dirt that can make it less enjoyable; any other residue will make your food less delicious, especially if you’re eating it raw.
Lower the Risk of Cross-Contamination
By washing your produce, you can minimize the risk of transferring harmful bacteria from the surface of fruits and vegetables to your cutting boards and utensils.
This gets even more important when you’re eating something raw or cooking with meat. It’s a simple step that can protect the dinner you’ve worked so hard on from unwanted germs.
Make It Look Nicer!
Let’s be real: every fruit or veggie looks more presentable after a quick shower! A plate filled with vibrant, clean produce is far more appealing than one with dirty, dull-looking fruits and veggies.
It might be one of the least important reasons to give things a rinse, but one that can make a major difference if you’re someone who cares about presentation.
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture.
Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful.
Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat
We all love our furry friends and wouldn’t mind sharing tiny bits and pieces of food when we’re eating. While this may all be innocent, and you may be giving your dog foods that are okay, certain foods can be poisonous to dogs.
Dogs may react differently to food depending on the type, ingested amount, and size.
Read on as we discuss the three common foods dogs shouldn’t eat.
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