The latest food prep hack to go viral on social media suggests using the dishwasher to clean raw produce from the garden or grocery store. However, health experts warn that this method may not be the best way to wash fruits and vegetables. In fact, it may do more harm than good.
Washing fruits and vegetables is an important step in removing dirt and debris and reducing potential pathogens. However, using a dishwasher to do this may not be the most effective method. Dishwashers are designed to clean dishes using hot water, detergents, and other chemicals that may be too harsh for delicate produce. Even when using the cool water rinse cycle without detergent, the dishwasher may still contain detergent and rinse aid residues that can be transferred to produce.
In addition, dishwashers can harbor bacteria, molds, and yeasts that can be transferred to fruits and vegetables. This can lead to spoilage and possibly even foodborne illness. For example, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with listeria, E. coli, salmonella, and viruses, including hepatitis A and norovirus, during the farm-to-table process.
So what’s the best way to wash fruits and vegetables? According to food safety experts, the most effective method is to thoroughly rinse produce with cool, clean, running water from the kitchen faucet. This helps remove dirt, debris, and pathogens from the surface of produce.
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Here are some tips for washing fruits and vegetables:
- Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before washing your produce.
- Use a clean and sanitized sink: Wash your produce in a clean and sanitized sink to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use cool, running water: Run cool, running water over your produce to remove dirt and debris.
- Use a vegetable brush: Use a vegetable brush to remove dirt and debris from thick-skinned produce such as carrots.
- Soak produce: Soak produce with nooks and crannies in clean, cool water for a few minutes before rinsing. Avoid soaking berries, however, as they tend to absorb water. A 2006 study found that soaking certain produce in water can significantly reduce bacterial contamination. However, the study found that broccoli was not one of the items that benefited from this method.
- Dry produce: Once your produce is clean, dry it before storing. A salad spinner can be an effective tool for removing excess water, but for fragile items, simply place them on paper towels to dry.
It’s important to note that washing should be done just before consumption, as excess moisture can promote microbial growth and lead to premature spoilage.
While the dishwasher method may seem convenient, it’s clear that the potential risks outweigh any perceived benefits. Sticking with the time-tested method of washing produce under running tap water remains the safest and most effective way to ensure clean, healthy fruits and vegetables for you and your family.