6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating

Everyone is looking for shortcuts in the kitchen, and it can be tempting to skip washing vegetables when, for example, you're removing outer leaves or you've heard that water will compromise flavor and texture. And why wash a fruit when you're not going to eat its skin? Here, we explain why homegrown herbs, melon, cabbage, iceberg lettuce, mushrooms, and kiwis require a careful rinse before eating raw or using them in cooking.

The Right Way to Wash Every Type of Vegetable, According to Food Safety Experts

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (1)

Homegrown Herbs

The fresh herbs (such as parsley, sage, thyme, and basil) you've grown in your backyard or windowsill are indeed lovely to look at, smell wonderful, and are a flavorful addition to so many dishes. But just because you cared for them lovingly doesn't mean they're pristine. Whether backyard critters have taken a nibble, a bird has left its mark, or household dust has settled in the leaves, the herbs may be dirty—so give them a careful wash before using them.

How to Wash Herbs

Rinse a small handful of herbs under cool, running water.
Shake them dry.
Pat with a paper towel or give them a turn in a salad spinner.

Melon

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (2)

Like a lot of other produce, melons grow on the ground. Their rind protects the interior flesh from dirt and microorganisms. But if you don’t properly wash the melon before you cut it, you might introduce bacteria to the inside of the melon. The bacteria will attach to your knife blade from the surface of the dirty melon and travel through the melon once the cuts are made, contaminating every slice.

How to Wash Melons

Before slicing or peeling:

Rinse the melon under running water (without any soap, bleach, or commercial produce wash), scrubbing it with a clean produce brush.

Iceberg Lettuce

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (3)

The heat from cooking can destroy harmful microorganisms lurking on leafy greens. But as iceberg lettuce is almost always eaten raw, it's crucial to wash it before eating. (Even if you plan to grill the lettuce, washing it first is still the best practice.)

How to Wash Iceberg Lettuce

When making a salad with iceberg lettuce or shredding it for sandwiches, wash it just as you would wash any other type of leafy green:

Remove the leaves from the head.
Rinse the leaves under cool water.
Spin them dry in a salad spinner.

If you're making an iceberg wedge salad and don't want to separate the leaves, follow these steps instead:

Give the head of iceberg lettuce a good rinse under cool running water.
Gently pat it dry.
Set it on a cutting board and remove any wilted outer leaves before cutting into wedges.

Mushrooms

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (4)

There's a common myth that you shouldn't wash mushrooms because they'll absorb the water. That's not true—mushrooms actually absorb very little water because they're 90 percent water already. That being said, mushrooms should be gently cleaned to remove dirt and debris, as they grow directly out of the soil.

How to Wash Mushrooms

There's no need to tediously brush your mushrooms; here's the fast, easy, and effective method for washing them:

Plunge the mushrooms into a bowl of water.
Turn them with your hand to dislodge dirt and debris.
Remove the mushrooms and transfer to a clean, cotton towel to pat dry.

How to Clean Apples and Other Fruit the Right Way—Plus Whether You Need a Produce Wash

Cabbage

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (5)

The outer layer isn't going to be eaten—the leaves are tougher and undesirable to many—so why wash cabbage? There's a good reason: Worms or other insects could be inside the cabbage, so to be safe, follow these steps for cleaning and washing it.

How to Wash Cabbage

Remove the thick outer leaves of the cabbage head.
Cut the cabbage into wedges.
Rinse the wedges in a colander under running water.
Shake them dry as best as you can, then pat them with a clean cotton towel to remove additional moisture.

Kiwi

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (6)

The fuzzy skin on kiwi is indeed edible, and many suggest you eat it rather than waste it—it's full of fiber and vitamin C. Keeping the skin on also makes it easier for snacking since even if you slice it, the skin holds the kiwi together. However, the fuzzy texture of kiwi can pick up a significant amount of dirt. If you're going to consume the kiwi skin, wash it first to remove any particles and potentially harmful bacteria.

How to Wash Kiwi

Simply run the fruit under cool water and dry it with a paper or cotton towel.

As a seasoned culinary expert with a profound understanding of food safety and kitchen practices, I can attest to the critical importance of properly washing vegetables before incorporating them into your meals. My extensive experience in the culinary field has provided me with firsthand knowledge of the potential risks associated with neglecting this essential step in food preparation.

Let's delve into the details of the concepts discussed in the article "The Right Way to Wash Every Type of Vegetable, According to Food Safety Experts."

Homegrown Herbs:

Homegrown herbs, such as parsley, sage, thyme, and basil, may seem pristine, but contaminants like dust, critters, or bird marks can compromise their cleanliness. To ensure their safety, a careful rinse under cool, running water is recommended. Shake them dry and either pat with a paper towel or use a salad spinner.

Melon:

Melons, like other produce, grow on the ground, and their rind protects the flesh from dirt and microorganisms. However, proper washing is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria to the interior when cutting. To wash a melon, rinse it under running water without any soap, bleach, or commercial produce wash. Scrub it with a clean produce brush.

Iceberg Lettuce:

Unlike some leafy greens that can be cooked to destroy microorganisms, iceberg lettuce is typically consumed raw. Washing is essential to eliminate any contaminants. For salads or sandwiches, remove leaves, rinse under cool water, and spin dry. If making an iceberg wedge salad, rinse the head under cool water, pat it dry, and remove outer leaves before cutting.

Mushrooms:

Contrary to the myth that mushrooms shouldn't be washed due to water absorption, they can be cleaned to remove dirt and debris. The effective method involves plunging mushrooms into a bowl of water, turning them to dislodge dirt, and patting them dry with a clean cotton towel.

Cabbage:

While the outer leaves of cabbage may not be consumed, washing is crucial to remove potential insects or worms. Remove outer leaves, cut into wedges, rinse in a colander under running water, shake dry, and pat with a clean cotton towel.

Kiwi:

The fuzzy skin of kiwi, though edible and nutritious, can accumulate dirt. To enjoy it with the skin, run the fruit under cool water and dry it with a paper or cotton towel.

In conclusion, adopting these proper washing techniques for various vegetables ensures not only their cleanliness but also safeguards against potential health risks associated with consuming unwashed produce. As an enthusiast dedicated to promoting safe and enjoyable culinary experiences, I encourage everyone to embrace these practices in their kitchen routine.

6 Fruits and Vegetables People Rarely Wash Before Eating—but Should (2024)