Foods You Should Always Wash
By Sara Butler
There are some foods that should always be washed before you eat them -- and a few of them may surprise you. When it comes to rinsing off the foods you buy, you don't have to get fancy. Simply hold these foods under running water for a minimum of 20 seconds to help rinse contaminants from the surface and wash away visible dirt. Then pat them dry. Still, there are some foods you should always rinse before you munch on them for your safety!
Avocados
OK, so you don't eat the avocado rind, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give them a good wash. Bacteria can live on the outside of the rind and transferred to the part you do eat when you cut into them. Avoid that scenario by giving them a quick wash before slicing them up.
Oranges
Just as with avocados, oranges should be washed even if you're not using the peel for anything. That's because the skin can be pushed into the pulp when you cut into it or peel it. This rule applies to other orange-like fruits such as tangerines and grapefruit. Even lemons and limes.
Potatoes
Even if you plan on skipping the potato skin (which you shouldn't because it's good for you!), giving potatoes a good scrub will help to remove the outside dirt and bacteria. Plus, when using a peeler, any contamination can easily be transferred to the inner part of the potato, contaminating the whole thing.
Kale
If you're going to buy a pre-washed bunch of kale in a bag, then you can skip this step. But if you're going to buy kale and shred it yourself, then wash it off. The ideal way is with a salad spinner but if you don't have one, washing under running water will do. If you eat salad, you should invest in a salad spinner.
Leafy greens like kale are a common cause of foodborne illness, so it's vital to make sure you wash them before you eat them.
Quinoa
Quinoa needs to be rinsed before use because of a natural compound found on the outside of it. If not rinsed away before you cook it, then it can cause stomach upset. So, don't skip this step when making quinoa to add to your favorite dish.
It's very important to wash the foods you eat to avoid illness -- and it's one of the simplest things you can do to stay healthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sterling, Va.