Frequently asked questions about washing fruits & vegetables:

• How do I keep grapes from getting moldy?

• What is the actual duration for soaking vegetables?

• Why shouldn't we wash our fruits and vegetables with a cleaner when we wash our hands with soap?  We know quite well that there is an increase of food poisonings and illnesses.  We still eat more and more fruits and vegetables.
•  I need to clarify what "commercial- non-chemical" food wash product you can recommend for washing a large amount of fresh fruits and vegs. I prepare "funeral reception" luncheons in the church hall. So far we have been advised to use 1] a dish soap and vinegar wash and 2] a product called "eco clean" I am impressed with Eco clean and it is not too expensive. I don't know who sells it as I got it from a friend. It is a green gel product. Also can you possibly advise me as to where I can find a sort of industry or health set of kitchen standards for various food preparations that would apply to church functions. 
• Hi!  I would like to know if it is allright to clean our kitchen counter top with cleaning products found on the market (Hertel, Fantastic)?  Can they leave chemical residues on the counter?  What would be the best method to clean kitchen counters?  Thank you!
• I've heard that salt is a good produce cleanser. I've also heard that vinegar is good, and that baking soda is good too. Any research bearing this out by testing before and after for pathogens and agricultural and post agricultural applications? If you can tell me that any of these (salt, vinegar, baking soda, or a combination, or, ANYTHING!) are effective, please tell me how to use them. How long to soak, and how much to use in how much water. Wow, thanks so much, Troy Santos.
• Can I wash grapes or apples with a vinegar rinse and then rinse off with cool water? Also I am allergic to house hold cleaners. I have been using straight vinegar when cleaning my bathrooms. Does the vinegar kill the bacteria? Thanks Karen
• How do you clean portabella mushroom?
• I am pregnant and I haven't received any protection (vaccination) against toxoplasmosis.  I have been recommended to wash my vegetables with vinegar.  What kind of vinegar should I use?  Can I use white alcohol vinegar?  Thanks!
• Should I wash my fruits and vegetables with a specific soap or could I wash them with dish soap because washing them only with water sometimes doesn't really wash them?
• Germans say that reheating mushrooms and then eating them can kill you. Any truth to that?
• Is washing fruits and vegetables with running water the best way to clean them or is there any particular product that is in fact better than just plain water?  And what about chemicals?  Do they go away with a wash?
• Is it enough to soak parsley leaves 15 minutes in sodium chloride powder then rinse thoroughly in drinking water to remove dirt & bacteria?
• What do you mean when you say "  in  quantity enough to get rid of bacteria that could be present"?  I am sure that everyone has their own idea on that!
• When washing some newly-bought grapes, we noticed all manner of plant-like debris we were unaccustomed to seeing -- so much so, that my mother was thinking of returning them. I'm thinking perhaps these were just "dirty in a different way" than we're used to because they were from an unfamiliar grower. In the wash water we saved, some of the debris are miniscule, white and "tadpole"-shaped, other debris looks like it might be small flower spores with flecks of brownish stems, but mostly whitish appearance. Is this normal, or should we return these grapes? Thank you.
• On Internet, there is a research report published which says that before macerating fine herbs in vinegar for preservation, we must disinfect the herbs by soaking them in water with a very small quantity of chlorine (Javex).  For me, I hesitate quite a bit before proceeding that way because I think that water alone should be enough.  I would like to know your opinion on this question.
• I get bacterial growth from vegetables that have been simply washed with water - including bagged so called ready washed items. I cannot identify the bacteria (I have simply cultured samples on nutrient agar petri dishes) and wonder if I should expect vegetables to be free of all aerobic bacteria.
• is it necessary to wash bagged salad fixings? thank you!
• Should I add anything to the cold water to stop discolouration if preparing vegetables for guests the day before cooking?
• If you wash fruits and vegetables with clear running water, can spraying them with a vinegar and water mixture after help clean them any more
• Would placing fruits and vegs in a lemon-water bath followed by a couple of good rinses be an effective way of cleaning? I tried grapes this way and they looked fresher, felt "clean" and tasted a bit fresher as well. What are your thoughts on this?
• can you still use portabella mushrooms if they have mold on them?
• In making banana loaves, it is safe to use bananas which have not been refrigerated for about 4 - 5 days?
• Do you know if all the vegetables needs some cleaning operation.  If not, how can we avoid coliforms for some of the vegetables that would not required disinfection and will be used for salads (ex.:  grated  raw carrots)  Thank you!
• what is the safest type of cutting board.
• I am doing a science fair project on what types of cleaners you would use to most effectively clean veggies that is environmently friendly. It is due in 5 weeks so an immediate answer would be appreciated.
• It is recommended to wash fruits and vegetables with cold tap water.  Is it recommended too to wash them with hot water?
• After I eat, sometimes I have indigestion. If I do not have any antiacid tablets, I take baking soda. Do I lose some of the benefits from eating healthy because I take baking soda?
• Farmers take care of fruits and vegetables with chemical products that are bad for our health.  So how can we get rid of those chemicals?  How do we wash them?  What should we remove from those vegetables; for example the heart?....
• Can we avoid eating fruit that are quite ripe to a point where they are brown or not?  Can we cook lettuce if we do not consume it through salad.  What are the best nutritious combination to do between vegetables and food rich in protein (meat, chicken) and between vegetables and cereals or starchy foods.  Can I replace vegetables by fruits only if in one day I missed consuming vegetables (in a well balanced diet)?  Thanks
• how long should i keep banana pudding before throwing it out
• How long does it take to sautee a portabella mushroom to make it safe to eat?
• Is the green product called Hertel still available and where?
• How does one wash green leaf vegetables so as to get rid of all parasitic eggs?
• With a javex solution made of 3 cups of water with one teaspoon of bleach, what can be washed.
• why should greens be washed before they are used?
• Do we have to use a brush to wash soft skin fruits such as apples, pears and plums under running water?  thank you
• We are going to South Korea for a vacation.  I know the recommendations are to only eat fruit and veggies that can be peeled as the water you rinse the food with could be contaminated, but are there rinses or soaps that can be used with bottled water to get rid of anything that could make you sick?  I need to know soon, (sorry) as we leave on Friday to drive to the airport we are flying from. Thank you.
• I froze bananas in the freezer but I didn't use any type of container are they safe to make banana bread?

 

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How do I keep grapes from getting moldy?

Do you wash your grapes before storing them in the fridge or are they stored in a closed plastic bag? Mold develops because of moisture. Be sure the bag has some holes in it and do not wash the grapes until ready to use. Also clean and sanitize the produce drawer in which they are stored to remove any mould spores which may be present. Wash with hot soapy water, then with a mixture of 5 ml/1 tsp bleach mixed with 750 mL/3 cups water.

What is the actual duration for soaking vegetables?

When vegetables are soaked they lose vitamins and minerals. So as a general rule, it should not be done. However, when cleaning leafy green or dense vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts they should be soaked in water for a few minutes to dislodge dirt then rinsed thoroughly under running water.

Why shouldn't we wash our fruits and vegetables with a cleaner when we wash our hands with soap?  We know quite well that there is an increase of food poisonings and illnesses.  We still eat more and more fruits and vegetables.

There is a possibility that a cleaner used in cleaning fruits and vegetables could leave a residue on them.  Washing fruits and vegetables under fresh running water gently using a brush as needed could be as effective if not more than using cleaner.  As for our hands, the use of soap is recommended to reduce the bacterial load or any dirt on them since they are used more often to manipulate a variety of food commodities especially when preparing a meal.  Washing hand with soap could avoid cross-contamination.

 I need to clarify what "commercial- non-chemical" food wash product you can recommend for washing a large amount of fresh fruits and vegs. I prepare "funeral reception" luncheons in the church hall. So far we have been advised to use 1] a dish soap and vinegar wash and 2] a product called "eco clean" I am impressed with Eco clean and it is not too expensive. I don't know who sells it as I got it from a friend. It is a green gel product. Also can you possibly advise me as to where I can find a sort of industry or health set of kitchen standards for various food preparations that would apply to church functions. 

The products you mentioned can leave a residue on fruits and vegetables which can cause health problems. Special produce washes remove chemical residues but they do not kill bacteria or moulds.  Instead rinse them thoroughly under cool running water with enough water to loosen the dirt and bacteria and wash them away. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub produce with rough surfaces. Soak leafy green or dense vegetables in water for a few minutes to dislodge dirt then rinse thoroughly under running water. Contact your local environmental health/public health office for standards you should be following.

Hi!  I would like to know if it is allright to clean our kitchen counter top with cleaning products found on the market (Hertel, Fantastic)?  Can they leave chemical residues on the counter?  What would be the best method to clean kitchen counters?  Thank you!

If you want to use a commercial product to cleam your kitchen counters, read the label to ensure that it has been made for and is safe for that use.
However, hot, soapy water is a good way to wash counters. Make sure you are using a clean cloth. Once clean, rinse with hot, clear water. Then sanitize the cloth and counters with a solution of 1 mL (01 tsp) of household bleach in 3 cups of water. Let the counters and cloth air dry.

I've heard that salt is a good produce cleanser. I've also heard that vinegar is good, and that baking soda is good too. Any research bearing this out by testing before and after for pathogens and agricultural and post agricultural applications? If you can tell me that any of these (salt, vinegar, baking soda, or a combination, or, ANYTHING!) are effective, please tell me how to use them. How long to soak, and how much to use in how much water. Wow, thanks so much, Troy Santos.

Research has shown that vinegar and baking soda are no more effective as a produce cleaner than cool running water and may, in fact, leave residues on the produce. So rinse produce with enough water to remove any dirt or bacteria which may be clinging to it. Use a vegetable brush on those with tougher skins such as cantaloupe. Discard the outer leaves of leafy greens such as lettuce and cabbage and soak the remaining leaves before rinsing. Soak dense vegetables like broccoli in salted water before rinsing to remove any insects which might be present.

Can I wash grapes or apples with a vinegar rinse and then rinse off with cool water? Also I am allergic to house hold cleaners. I have been using straight vinegar when cleaning my bathrooms. Does the vinegar kill the bacteria? Thanks Karen

Washing grapes or apples with a vinegar rinse is unnecessary may leave a vinegar residue on the fruit. Instead, wash them in cool running water using enough water to flush away any contaminants which might be present. Mrs. Cookwell does not provide household cleaning advice.

How do you clean portabella mushroom?

Before use, all mushrooms should be gently brushed or wiped with damp paper towel. If necessary, rinse quickly with cold water and dry with paper towel. 

I am pregnant and I haven't received any protection (vaccination) against toxoplasmosis.  I have been recommended to wash my vegetables with vinegar.  What kind of vinegar should I use?  Can I use white alcohol vinegar?  Thanks!

If your doctor has made this recommendation, please follow it. If not, experts recommend vegetables be washed with plain water using enough running water to flush away bacteria that may be present.

Should I wash my fruits and vegetables with a specific soap or could I wash them with dish soap because washing them only with water sometimes doesn't really wash them?

When fruits and vegetables are washed with soap there can be a soap reside left on the produce. Furthermore, the porosity of some fruits and vegetables would allow absorption of the detergents.  Food Safety experts recommend washing with enough running cool water to wash away any bacteria which may be on the food. Use a produce brush for produce with a rough skin like melons.

Germans say that reheating mushrooms and then eating them can kill you. Any truth to that?

In Canada we would answer this question that if cooked mushrooms are refrigerated promptly after cooking and eaten or frozen within three days, they should be safe.

Is washing fruits and vegetables with running water the best way to clean them or is there any particular product that is in fact better than just plain water?  And what about chemicals?  Do they go away with a wash?

Soap, chlorine and vinegar washes can leave residues and should not be used. Special produce washes remove chemical residues which may remain on the produce, but they do not kill bacteria or moulds. So rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool running water using enough water to loosen the dirt and bacteria and wash them away.

Is it enough to soak parsley leaves 15 minutes in sodium chloride powder then rinse thoroughly in drinking water to remove dirt & bacteria?

To remove dirt and bacteria it is enough to soak parsley in clean cold water 15 minutes then rinse with clean running water. Other additions to the water can leave residues and should not be used. 

What do you mean when you say "  in  quantity enough to get rid of bacteria that could be present"?  I am sure that everyone has their own idea on that!

I would assume that you are referring to the quantity of water used to wash fruits and vegetables as there is no need to use detergents or any other kind of chemicals to wash them as they could leave residues on their surface.  It would be enough water to remove the dirt and bacteria that could be present on the surface while rubbing it with your hands under running tap water.  A brush could be used for rough surfaces.

When washing some newly-bought grapes, we noticed all manner of plant-like debris we were unaccustomed to seeing -- so much so, that my mother was thinking of returning them. I'm thinking perhaps these were just "dirty in a different way" than we're used to because they were from an unfamiliar grower. In the wash water we saved, some of the debris are miniscule, white and "tadpole"-shaped, other debris looks like it might be small flower spores with flecks of brownish stems, but mostly whitish appearance. Is this normal, or should we return these grapes? Thank you.

Return the grapes. Although they should be washed before using, they should not be contaminated with debris. 

On Internet, there is a research report published which says that before macerating fine herbs in vinegar for preservation, we must disinfect the herbs by soaking them in water with a very small quantity of chlorine (Javex).  For me, I hesitate quite a bit before proceeding that way because I think that water alone should be enough.  I would like to know your opinion on this question.

You are correct that the bleach can leave a residue. The herbs should be washed in enough cold water to flush away any dirt or bacteria. They are then crushed or bruised and covered with boiling vinegar.

I get bacterial growth from vegetables that have been simply washed with water - including bagged so called ready washed items. I cannot identify the bacteria (I have simply cultured samples on nutrient agar petri dishes) and wonder if I should expect vegetables to be free of all aerobic bacteria.

Vegetables are not grown in a sterile environment so they would not be free of all aerobic bacteria. They can be contaminated by bacteria in the soil, by rain and water used on the crop, by birds and other animals, by the people who harvest and process them.  Bacteria are all over the place and can attach themselves to the surface.  The goal of washing the vegetables with water is to get rid of dirt and reduce the number of microorganisms.  You will never be able to eliminate all the bacteria (unless they are cooked or sterilized).  Most of them will contribute with time in the spoilage of the vegetables. 

is it necessary to wash bagged salad fixings? thank you!

Most bagged salad fixings have been pre-washed, but washing it again will further reduce the risk that dirt or residues remain.

Should I add anything to the cold water to stop discolouration if preparing vegetables for guests the day before cooking?

To prevent oxidation or the "browning" of certain vegetables (such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, artichokes and parsnips), you can submerge the prepared vegetable in a cold water solution in which lemon juice has been added (use 50 mL lemon juice to 1 L cold water).  Cover and keep refrigerated.

If you wash fruits and vegetables with clear running water, can spraying them with a vinegar and water mixture after help clean them any more

Vinegar washes can leave a residue and should not be used.

Would placing fruits and vegs in a lemon-water bath followed by a couple of good rinses be an effective way of cleaning? I tried grapes this way and they looked fresher, felt "clean" and tasted a bit fresher as well. What are your thoughts on this?

Rinsing fruits and vegetables with anything other that cool running water can leave a residue and is not recommended.

can you still use portabella mushrooms if they have mold on them?

It is not recommended to eat the mushrooms if mould is present.  Mould is like a plant.  What you see is like the flower and what you don't see is the stem and root system which may lurk beneath the surface of the vegetable.  Some molds produce mycotoxins which can cause immediate illness or may be carcinogenic.

In making banana loaves, it is safe to use bananas which have not been refrigerated for about 4 - 5 days?

Over-ripe bananas can be used in baking as long as they are not mouldy or decaying.

Do you know if all the vegetables needs some cleaning operation.  If not, how can we avoid coliforms for some of the vegetables that would not required disinfection and will be used for salads (ex.:  grated  raw carrots)  Thank you!

Because surfaces of vegetables may be or could become contaminated with harmful bacteria, they should be washed under cool, potable running water just before eating or preparing. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub the surface of vegetables such as carrots. Soak leafy greens a few minutes to dislodge dirt, then rinse under cool running water.

what is the safest type of cutting board.

Both wood and plastic are suitable materials.  Stone is hard on knives.  The important thing to remember is to ensure there are no deep cuts in your board (if there are, throw the board out), and to sanitize before and after using.  This can be done by placing in the dishwasher or using a mild bleach solution to disinfect after cleaning with soap and hot water. 

I am doing a science fair project on what types of cleaners you would use to most effectively clean veggies that is environmently friendly. It is due in 5 weeks so an immediate answer would be appreciated.

Fresh drinking water is the least expensive and most environmental way to clean fruit and vegetables.  Soaps are not recommended as they may leave a residue on the food.  Commercially, you would probably want to consult the Code of Practice for Minimally processed Ready-to-eat Vegatables from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the following website link:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/fresh/safsal/read-eat_e.shtml

It is recommended to wash fruits and vegetables with cold tap water.  Is it recommended too to wash them with hot water?

You can wash in hot water, however, it may make the fruit and vegetables soggy (ie. lettuce, spinach, etc).

After I eat, sometimes I have indigestion. If I do not have any antiacid tablets, I take baking soda. Do I lose some of the benefits from eating healthy because I take baking soda?

You should not lose any benefits from eating healthy because of the intake of baking soda. However, you should discuss your health conditions wiht your physician.

Farmers take care of fruits and vegetables with chemical products that are bad for our health.  So how can we get rid of those chemicals?  How do we wash them?  What should we remove from those vegetables; for example the heart?....

In Canada, the use of pesticides is controlled by laws and regulations and farmers must conform to the instructions put on the label by the manufacturers and revised by government authorities.  There is always a lapse period of time before harvesting where the use of pesticides is prohibited giving mother nature time to do her things.  Residus found have to be under the MRL (minimal residual limit) established by the authorities to eliminate all health hazards.  It is always recommended to wash fruits and vegetables with cold running tap water.  The use of soap or any cleaning solutions promoting the elimination of those chemical residues should be avoided as they may leave residues themselves. 

Can we avoid eating fruit that are quite ripe to a point where they are brown or not?  Can we cook lettuce if we do not consume it through salad.  What are the best nutritious combination to do between vegetables and food rich in protein (meat, chicken) and between vegetables and cereals or starchy foods.  Can I replace vegetables by fruits only if in one day I missed consuming vegetables (in a well balanced diet)?  Thanks

Consumption of well ripe fruit should be avoided as some nutritious qualities could be lost.  It is not recommend to eat cooked lettuce unless a good recipe recommends to prepare it that way.  The human being needs proteins to maintain its tone and sturcture.  A good food variety is strongly recommended and in Canada for example, Canadians are invited to follow recommendations written in the Canada Food Guide.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php

how long should i keep banana pudding before throwing it out

If the pudding was commercially prepared, there should be an expiry date.  However if the pudding was home made and properly refrigerated, it should keep for 5 days.

How long does it take to sautee a portabella mushroom to make it safe to eat?

Portabella mushrooms should be sautee over medium-high in a skillet for 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. 

Is the green product called Hertel still available and where?

As far as I know I would believe so.  But to find out for sure, call the company directly at the following too free number 1-800-361-6898.  They will be able to tell you where it is available as well.

How does one wash green leaf vegetables so as to get rid of all parasitic eggs?

The only way to wash green leaf vegetables is to do under cold running water or in a bath of fresh water.  You will have to rub the leaves with your hands for effectiveness.  Do not used any chemicla of all kind as they can leave a residue on the leaves. 

With a javex solution made of 3 cups of water with one teaspoon of bleach, what can be washed.

You can wash areas that need to be disinfected such as kitchen counters and cutting boards before and after handling foods and any other areas that need to be disinfected such as the bathroom for example.  Avoid using the solution in the interior of the refrigerator as it could be corrosive to the parts in there.

why should greens be washed before they are used?

Greens should be washed to get rid of dirt, particles and contamination that could have accumulated during their growth and during harvesting ans handling.  Potable tap water only should be used to wash greens.

Do we have to use a brush to wash soft skin fruits such as apples, pears and plums under running water?  thank you

You can wash under running tap water soft skin fruits without using a brush.  Rub them with your hands to get rid of the dirt that could have sticked to the fruits.

We are going to South Korea for a vacation.  I know the recommendations are to only eat fruit and veggies that can be peeled as the water you rinse the food with could be contaminated, but are there rinses or soaps that can be used with bottled water to get rid of anything that could make you sick?  I need to know soon, (sorry) as we leave on Friday to drive to the airport we are flying from. Thank you.

Your best bet to rinse fruits and vegetables is still running potable water.  Anything else is not recommended as it could leave a chemical residue on the food that you would end up ingesting.  In your case, if the quality of tap water is questionable in country you are going, use bottle water and rinse your fruits and veggies if they cannot get peeled.

I froze bananas in the freezer but I didn't use any type of container are they safe to make banana bread?

Once frozen, the banana would be safe to use to make banana bread.  If you have to thaw them before use, thaw them in the refrigerator and use them as soon as posssible.




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