How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables

Clean up. Before preparing produce, clean countertops, knives, and cutting boards. Also, give your hands a thorough cleaning with soap and water.

Stay fresh and local. To avoid having fruits and vegetables stored for a long time, buy locally grown produce and prepare it within five days.

Wash immediately before usage. Washing then storing produce can speed bacterial growth and spoilage. So wait to wash fruits and vegetables until right before using.

Rinse under running water. The best way to reduce the number of microorganisms is by washing produce under running water that’s no colder than 10 degrees cooler than the produce. Rub the produce briskly to remove dirt and surface germs. You don’t need detergent or bleach solutions or special sprays.

Be specific. Different types of produce require different kinds of cleaning. Here’s your guide for several types of popular produce:

Apples and other firm produce:

Wash and rub enough to remove any waxy preservative.

Berries and grapes:

Rinse gently under cool, running water. Don’t let berries sit in water, as that can ruin them. Sort through and remove moldy or squishy pieces to avoid spreading any microorganisms.

Herbs:

Dip and swirl in a bowl of cool water, then dry with a paper towel.

Leafy green vegetables:

If it’s a single head, cut off the base and discard dried or damaged outer leaves. Soak the remaining leaves in a bowl of cold water for a couple minutes. If you’re particularly concerned about bacterial contamination, add a half cup of distilled white vinegar per cup of water, then rinse. Dry with paper towels or a salad spinner.

Melons:

With a soft-bristled vegetable brush, thoroughly scrub melons under running water before cutting, peeling, or eating.

Mushrooms:

Use a soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub and a wet paper towel to remove dirt.

Peaches and other soft fruit:

Lightly wash under running water and dry with a paper towel.

 

Root vegetables:

After peeling root vegetables such as carrot, potatoes, and beets, clean with a medium-bristled brush under lukewarm water.