COVID-19: How to wash fruits and vegetables during coronavirus

Coronavirus has spread all over the world, and most of the countries are on complete or partial lockdown. Governments are trying their best to supply the essentials to the public during this difficult time. During this time, food safety is very important. Here are a few simple tips on how to wash fruits and vegetables during coronavirus.

Tips on how to wash fruits and vegetables during coronavirus:

1.Wash your hands before and after washing fruits and vegetables

Washing your hands can prevent the spread of Covid-19. Even if you are going to wash the vegetables, you must ensure that your hands are clean. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before cleaning fruits and vegetables. Also, it is important to wash your hands after you rinse fruits and vegetables.

2.Rinse your fruits and vegetables well in running water

Fruits and vegetables can be rinsed in running water, followed by rubbing with hands. Make sure the water the clean. Rinsing the vegetables before you peel it will stop transferring of dirt and bacteria from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. Gently rub the fruits and vegetables individually so ensure all of them get clean. You can even wash potatoes and onions too as they do not go bad after washing. If you have bought them in more than usual quantity, simply refrigerate them and they will stay good for a long time.

Tips on how to wash fruits and vegetables during coronavirus

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3. Do not use soap or any detergent

A study says that it is a myth that soap, detergent or any special liquid can clean vegetables. You just have to gently rub the vegetable while holding under plain running water. Avoid using soap for washing vegetables as soap can seep into the fruits and vegetables.

4.Using a brush or sponge

If necessary, you can use a vegetable brush or sponge to clean root vegetables like potatoes or carrots. You can even use a clean vegetable brush to scrub melons or cucumbers.

Tips on how to wash fruits and vegetables during coronavirus

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5. Some fruits and vegetables require extra care

Some fruits like berries require extra care during the cleaning process. Place all the berries in a colander or strainer and rinse them under running water to remove pathogens. Similarly, green leafy vegetables should be placed in a bowl of cold water with a little salt for a few minutes, then rinse then again in plain water. For best results, you can remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage, and then dry them with a paper towel. You can also cut long stems of fruits like lichi. Remove roots of coriander and mint, rinse them thoroughly and leave them in a plate in the refrigerator. To be a little safer, if you can, you can leave washed vegetables for a day or two and then use them.

6.Wash vegetable in saltwater

According to a study, washing fruits and vegetables with 2% of salt water can remove most of the contact pesticide residues that usually appear on the surface of the fruits and vegetables. However, more than 75 percent of pesticide residues can be removed by cold water washing.

Tips on how to wash fruits and vegetables during coronavirus

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Points to keep in mind before buying and using fruits or vegetables-

• Try not to buy fruits and vegetables that are bruised or damaged.
• Avoid buying chopped/sliced fruits and vegetables. In case you have to buy pre-cut items, like bags of lettuce or watermelon slices, make sure to refrigerate them only after washing thoroughly.
• Cook your vegetables properly.
• While purchasing fruits or vegetables make sure you sanitize or wash your hands after purchasing.
• Buy enough quantity of fruits and vegetables in one go so you can wash them thoroughly and leave them for a day or 2 after washing before using them.
• Take your own bag to carry fruits and vegetables so you can avoid plastic bags on which coronavirus can reportedly live for a longer time.

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