University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County
COOK IT
QUICK

Helping you prepare healthy foods in a hurry

Alice Henneman, MS, Registered Dietitian and Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County

 
Get E-mail Sign Up for Monthly
Cook It Quick E-mails 		 

Washing Fruits & Vegetables

Should fruits and vegetables be washed before they are put away?

MyPyramid advises we wash our fresh fruits and vegetables when ready to eat them rather than when they're first purchased or picked. Here are some MyPyramid guidelines for safely handling fruits and vegetables:

 fruits and vegetables

  1. Remove and discard outer leaves.

  2. Rinse under clean, running water just before preparing or eating.

  3. Rub briskly -- scrubbing with a clean brush or hands -- to remove dirt and surface microorganisms.

  4. Don’t use soap or detergent.

  5. After washing, dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Moisture left on produce may promote survival and growth of microorganisms. Drying is critical if food won’t be eaten or cooked right away

  6. Cut away bruised and damaged areas.

  7. Bacteria on the outside of fruits can be transferred to the inside when the fruit is peeled or cut. Wash fruits -- such as cantaloupe and other melons -- under running water.

 

smiley face Was this article helpful to you? YES NO

Enter any comments on this article below:

(NOTE: Include your e-mail address if you have a question about this article you'd like answered.)

apple image Return to Cook It Quick Main Menu

Sign Up for COOK IT QUICK! Updates

This site is updated about once a month. Sign up here if you'd like us to e-mail you when we add new material.

Developed By:

Alice C. Henneman, MS, RD
Extension Educator
University of Nebraska
Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County

Fax: (402) 441-7148
Phone: (402) 441-7180
E-Mail: ahenneman1@unl.edu
Web site: lancaster.unl.edu/food

Use Of These Materials:

You may reproduce these materials for educational purposes but not for sales purposes. You're also welcome to link to "Cook It Quick" from your website. Please credit: COOK IT QUICK!, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension (lancaster.unl.edu/food/ciq.htm)

Use of commercial and trade names does not imply approval or constitute endorsement by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. Nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.

For more information about preparing healthy meals, contact your local University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Office; for the location of the office nearest you, click here. For a listing of Cooperative Extension Offices throughout the United States, click here.

Address: 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528-1507, Phone: 402-441-7180

| Search This Site |
 Food Home Page | Cook It Quick | Food Reflections Newsletter
Pyramid Power Game | Food Safety Game | Programs | Publications | Links
Site Map | Lancaster County Home Page | Confidentiality Statement

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska and the United States Department of Agriculture.