How do you wash lemon peels and other fruits to get them clean?

Lemon peel is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which are good for cardiovascular health and immunity. However, lemon peel can easily accumulate dirt, bacteria, and pesticides if not washed thoroughly.

According to guidelines from the U.S. National Pesticide Information Center, here's a simple but effective way to clean fruit.

• Wash under running water.
• Gently scrub with your hands or a soft brush.
• Dry with a clean towel.

This method significantly removes dirt and some chemical residue from the surface of fruits in general.

Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends washing fruit under running water and gently scrubbing it. Meanwhile, the U.S. National Pesticide Information Center suggests that drying after washing helps remove even more bacteria. Several international studies have also noted that soaking fruit in baking soda for 10-15 minutes can significantly reduce pesticide residue.

Wash the fruit under running water, gently scrub with your hands or a soft brush, and dry with a clean towel.

Photo: AI

Should you use soap to wash lemons?

The answer is no. Food safety experts warn against using soap or detergents to clean fruit, as the peel can absorb chemicals, which can be harmful when consumed.

Alternatively, for a more thorough cleaning, you can soak the lemons in baking soda water, then rinse them with clean water. This is a simple, safe, and easy method to use at home.

Notes on using lemon peel

Dr. Frank Hu, a nutritionist and epidemiologist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health (USA), said that eating fruit with its peel helps increase fiber and beneficial compounds, but food safety must be ensured.

He recommends prioritizing fruit from a reliable or organic source, especially when the peel is frequently used in cooking.

Lemon peels offer many health benefits, but they are only truly safe when properly cleaned. Washing under running water, gently scrubbing, and possibly soaking in baking soda are simple steps that significantly reduce dirt and chemicals. Combining this with safe food choices will help you get the most out of the nutritional value of this familiar fruit.

5 mistakes to avoid when washing fruit

Just rinsing superficially: Water alone won't remove all bacteria and chemicals.

Using soap: Easily leaves harmful residue on the peel.

No pre-soaking: Skip the step that helps reduce pesticides (like baking soda).

Do not dry thoroughly: Bacteria can still remain after washing.

The "looks clean, so it's safe" myth: Fruits can still contain chemicals even if they look fresh and delicious.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vo-chanh-trai-cay-rua-sao-moi-sach-185260330112727858.htm