As we transition from winter to spring, many fruits and vegetables—like asparagus and strawberries—start to be in season! It is very important to remember to wash fresh produce prior to eating in order to remove any harmful bacteria like E. coli or listeria. The next time you reach for a fruit or vegetable, use these strategies to ensure it’s clean and fresh:
- Wash your produce immediately before eating. Washing some produce—like berries—before storing actually hastens spoilage.
- Wash all produce in cold water; do not use detergents or soap to clean the outside of your fruit.
- Try using a vegetable brush for fruits and vegetables that have a thick skin.
- Produce that has tiny nooks and crannies—like cauliflower and broccoli—should be soaked in cold, clean water for one to two minutes.
- You don’t need to rewash products that are labeled “ready to eat” or “triple washed.”
For visual demonstrations of other ways to select, store, and prepare food, check out the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website (spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/videos).