Some foods do not require washing before they're eaten or cooked. In fact, doing so may be more risky with some things. The following list will help you determine which foods can skip the wash and why.
Some foods do not require washing before they're eaten or cooked. In fact, doing so may be more risky with some things. The following list will help you determine which foods can skip the wash and why.
#Eggs
Eggs are washed and cleaned once they've been laid in order to remove any bacteria. They are then coated with mineral oil to give the shells a layer of protection. As such, there's no need for you to re-wash them.
#Raw poultry and meat
While you might think washing raw chicken, other types of poultry, and meat prior to cooking helps to clean off bacteria and stave off foodborne illnesses, the opposite is true. With poultry, the water you would use to rinse it isn't scalding hot enough to actually kill off bacteria, doing so only redistributes any harmful bacteria onto your kitchen surfaces and possibly your body. When you then prepare other foods on those same surfaces, cross-contamination may cause illness.
#Bagged salads
Many bagged salads, as well as precut and packaged produce like carrots or celery have been pre-washed so you do not need to wash them after buying. These products will be labeled as ready-to-eat if they have indeed been pre-washed. In fact, washing them once you get home can actually increase the chances of contaminating them with bacteria that may already be on your kitchen surfaces. Since commercially packaged produce has often been "triple washed," they are perfect to eat as is.
#Pasta
Don’t rinse your pasta before boiling it. While it’s true that you don’t want starchy dust on your grains, you do want it on your pasta! That extra starch helps sauce stick to your pasta instead of it sliding right off.
#Mushrooms
You’ll definitely wan’t to rinse the dirt off your mushrooms right before cooking. But what you don’t want to do is wash them right when you bring them home. Washing them will shorten their shelf life dramatically, so save it until right before you plan on eating them!
#Eggs
Eggs are washed and cleaned once they've been laid in order to remove any bacteria. They are then coated with mineral oil to give the shells a layer of protection. As such, there's no need for you to re-wash them.
#Raw poultry and meat
While you might think washing raw chicken, other types of poultry, and meat prior to cooking helps to clean off bacteria and stave off foodborne illnesses, the opposite is true. With poultry, the water you would use to rinse it isn't scalding hot enough to actually kill off bacteria, doing so only redistributes any harmful bacteria onto your kitchen surfaces and possibly your body. When you then prepare other foods on those same surfaces, cross-contamination may cause illness.
#Bagged salads
Many bagged salads, as well as precut and packaged produce like carrots or celery have been pre-washed so you do not need to wash them after buying. These products will be labeled as ready-to-eat if they have indeed been pre-washed. In fact, washing them once you get home can actually increase the chances of contaminating them with bacteria that may already be on your kitchen surfaces. Since commercially packaged produce has often been "triple washed," they are perfect to eat as is.
#Pasta
Don’t rinse your pasta before boiling it. While it’s true that you don’t want starchy dust on your grains, you do want it on your pasta! That extra starch helps sauce stick to your pasta instead of it sliding right off.
#Mushrooms
You’ll definitely wan’t to rinse the dirt off your mushrooms right before cooking. But what you don’t want to do is wash them right when you bring them home. Washing them will shorten their shelf life dramatically, so save it until right before you plan on eating them!
#Raw fish
Avoid washing raw fish in order to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria all around your kitchen. Instead, buy fish that's been gutted and scaled from a reputable fishmonger. Wash your hands well and clean surfaces in your kitchen work areas as thoroughly as possible.
#grapes
Many types of fruit need to be washed shortly before being consumed. Grapes and plums, for example, have a whitish film that is a natural protective layer against germs. If this protective layer is removed, the shelf life of the fruit is considerably reduced. Before eating, however, it is recommended to rinse well.
#strawberries
strawberries and other small fruits should be washed only a short time before being consumed. The reason is that the jet of water gives the sensitive fruits fine pressure points, which accelerate the ripening process. If you still want to wash your strawberries in advance, you should do it gently in a bowl filled with water - preferably with a dash of vinegar or citric acid.
#grapes
Many types of fruit need to be washed shortly before being consumed. Grapes and plums, for example, have a whitish film that is a natural protective layer against germs. If this protective layer is removed, the shelf life of the fruit is considerably reduced. Before eating, however, it is recommended to rinse well.
#strawberries
strawberries and other small fruits should be washed only a short time before being consumed. The reason is that the jet of water gives the sensitive fruits fine pressure points, which accelerate the ripening process. If you still want to wash your strawberries in advance, you should do it gently in a bowl filled with water - preferably with a dash of vinegar or citric acid.
