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From Brussels sprouts and apples in the fall to tomatoes and zucchini in the summer, fresh produce is an important part of any healthy eating pattern.Eating enough fruits and vegetablesensures your body is getting key nutrients and vitamins, likepotassium from a bananaorvitamin C from kale, which can help with heart health and supporting immunity, respectively. But before you can reap these benefits and enjoy your produce haul from the farmers' market or grocery store, you’ll need to prep your produce properly. Read on to find out everything about washing fruits and vegetables.
Do You Need to Wash Fruits and Vegetables?
Yes—whether you’re enjoying the produce raw or cooked, you should wash any fruit or vegetable before consuming it.As the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service explains, washing produce helps remove any dirt or bacteria that is present. Bacteria likeSalmonella,E.coliandListeriacan lead to illness, with symptoms including fever, headaches and more.
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How to Wash Produce
Here’s how to wash fruits and vegetables:
Depending on the produce, you may want to hold off on washing it until you’re ready to eat it. When more delicate vegetables and fruits (like leafy greens or berries) are wet, bacteria can grow at a quicker rate, which can lead to spoilage and a shorter shelf life.
The Bottom Line
Whether your fresh produce is from the farmers' market or your local grocery store, it’s smart to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Wash produce under running water, and avoid using soap or detergent.
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