In order to avoid contamination it is very important to remember to wash all of your produce well. Below are some simple tips you can use to properly wash your produce.
- wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling produce
- wash all surfaces (including cutting boards and counters) and knives
- wash all produce before cutting to avoid transferring to flesh
- smooth skin produce should be washed by hand
- rough or firm produce can be washed using a scrub brush
- spray a 1:3 vinegar to water mixture on your produce, wait 30 seconds, then rinse under cold water using hands for smooth skin produce and a vegetable scrub for firmer produce.
- Note: Cleaning produce with vinegar helps kill bacteria which helps ensure your fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption. [Source]
- try using food grade (3%) Hydrogen Peroxide (Add 1/4 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide into a gallon of cold water. Soak light/thin vegetables (Lettuce, etc.) for 20 minutes. For thicker skinned vegetables (like Cucumbers) for 30 minutes. Drain and dry (they’ll keep longer). [Source]