Wash vegetables and fruits properly.

Most fruits and vegetables are grown outdoors. Therefore, they can be touched by pests, insects, and birds. This means that, in addition to dirt, unwashed fruits and vegetables can contain many other potentially harmful components, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and pesticides, according to The Conversation (Australia).

One of the simplest and most effective methods is to rub the fruit with your hands and then rinse it under running water.

Furthermore, harmful agents can also contaminate the plants during packaging, processing, or storage. In addition, even plants grown hydroponically in greenhouses can still contain bacteria and pesticides. .

To properly wash fruits and vegetables, the first thing to do is wash your hands thoroughly. This helps prevent bacteria from your skin from contaminating the produce. The simplest and safest way to wash fresh fruits and vegetables is by hand under running water.

Everyone should use their hands to rub the surface of fruits and vegetables to remove dirt, pesticides, and some bacteria. Wash until the surface is clean. If you plan to soak them in water, use a clean basin, pot, or bowl; avoid soaking them in the kitchen sink as this is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Experts advise against washing fruits and vegetables with detergents, soaps, or commercial cleaning products. The porous nature of some plant peels allows them to absorb these chemicals, resulting not only in altered taste and texture but also making them unsafe to eat.

Several scientifically proven methods are safe and effective for washing fruits and vegetables. For example, vinegar and baking soda can both be used to wash fresh fruits and vegetables. They help reduce bacteria and pesticide levels.

For vinegar rinsing, you can use distilled malt vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or wine vinegar. The ratio for the solution is half a cup of vinegar to one cup of water. Simply soak fruits and vegetables in this solution for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water for at least one minute.

For baking soda, you need to mix a solution of about 0.8 grams of baking soda in 100 ml of water. Soaking in baking soda for 15 minutes can help remove almost all pesticides from fresh vegetables and fruits, according to The Conversation.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cach-rua-sach-rau-cu-va-trai-cay-185240823115801947.htm