Before you take a bite any fruit or vegetable, don’t forget to thoroughly wash it first, recommends a UGA food expert.
Washing produce won’t guarantee that
it’s pathogen-free, but it will help, said Elizabeth Andress, a UGA Cooperative Extension food safety specialist.
The best way to clean produce at home is to simply rub it while running fresh water over it. Soaking the produce in a weak chlorine solution will reduce bacteria, too, but it won’t get it all if it is contaminated, she said.
Don’t soak produce for more than one minute in a chlorine solution. After the chlorine bath, rub it under fresh water.
Cleaning the surface of fruits like cantaloupes can be difficult because of the natural nooks and crannies. Bacteria can hide there or inside stem scars.
Follow these tips to reduce health risks from contamination:
• Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after preparing fresh produce.
• Wash all produce before eating-even if you plan to peel it.
• Remove damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables. Throw away rotten-looking produce.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.
