Advertisement
question

When should I wash fruits and vegetables?

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
answer
When you bring home fresh produce, do you wash it all before putting it into the refrigerator or do you wait until you use it?

If you wait to wash fruits and vegetables until you're ready to eat it, you have made the right decision. Fresh produce needs to be cleaned before we consume it, but in order to preserve its water-soluble nutrients it is best to clean produce right before using.

Follow these steps when washing produce to effectively clean, while retaining nutrients:
  • Wash fresh produce with running water and use a soft brush if needed. Don't use soap.
  • Clean individual leaves of lettuce and remove outer leaves on cabbage or tight heads of lettuce.
  • Clean the surface of all fruit, even if you won't eat the surface area. Failing to clean the surface means the knife you use to cut will carry through the produce any bacteria on the surface.

Continue Learning about Cooking & Health

3 simple tips for low-sodium cooking
3 simple tips for low-sodium cooking
Cooking at home takes time and planning, but it holds big rewards for your health. Cutting back on restaurant meals and prepared foods can decrease th...
Read More
Healthy cooking oils that won't go up in smoke
Healthy cooking oils that won't go up in smoke
Olive, canola, peanut, sesame, grapeseed—these five heart-smart plant oils have one terrific thing in common: They're rich in monounsaturated and/or p...
Read More
How does cooking affect the nutritional value of food?
Cooking food damages some of the more delicate nutrients. Learn more from our experts about cooking....
More Answers
How can using an artificial sweetener instead of sugar affect a recipe?
Cooking time of your baked goods may be slightly different when using artificial sweeteners. Learn m...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.