Is it better to wash fruits and vegetables with water or vinegar?

Fruits and vegetables need to be washed properly to avoid bacterial contamination, food poisoning, and unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and fever.

Fruits and vegetables can all be effectively washed with clean water - Photo: TTD

Unwashed fruits and vegetables may contain:

Dirt

Bacteria (such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella)

Mushroom

Pesticide residues

Contamination from harvesting and handling (bacteria can be transmitted from contaminated soil, poor hygiene during harvesting, and even from shopping carts).

Washing fruits and vegetables helps remove dirt, reduce pesticide residue, and decrease the amount of bacteria and other germs clinging to their surfaces. However, it does not completely remove contaminants.

Notes on washing fruits and vegetables

According to recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Always wash produce before eating, cutting, and cooking. The USDA recommends against washing before storing, as this can lead to bacterial growth and increase the risk of food spoilage.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after washing fresh produce.

Do not wash fruits and vegetables with soap, bleach, detergents, or commercial produce washes. These substances can leave behind residue that is inedible or may cause illness.

For fruits and vegetables with peels, rinse or scrub them under running water regardless of whether you intend to eat the peel or not. Otherwise, bacteria on the peel or skin of the produce can transfer to the food when you cut it.

What is the best way to wash fruits and vegetables?

There are many ways to wash fruits and vegetables, depending on the type:

Leafy green vegetables : Rinse leafy vegetables thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. You can use a vegetable blender to remove excess water and allow the vegetables to dry before storing (you can pat them dry with paper towels, air dry them, or use a clean cloth).

Berries and root vegetables : Wash with water before eating.

Fruits with peels : Wash thoroughly to remove any dirt clinging to the outer skin of fruits (like apples and cucumbers). Even if you choose to peel these foods, it's still a good idea to wash them before eating.

According to Amy Reed, a registered dietitian and spokesperson at the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vinegar and baking soda can be used to wash fruits and vegetables, but not necessarily all types of produce; it depends on your needs and the specific vegetables you're washing.

For all types of vegetables, rinsing them with water is still a very effective way to remove dirt, reduce bacteria, and minimize pesticide residue.

NGUYET DUC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/rua-rau-qua-bang-nuoc-hay-bang-giam-se-sach-hon-20250723143400915.htm