One of the most common misconceptions about food is that all need to be washed. However, washing certain foods can lead to a loss of flavor and even a reduction in nutritional value. In this article, we will discuss in detail the 7 foods that should not be washed and alternative cleaning methods.
1. Mushrooms: Clean with a Brush or Paper Towel, Not Water
Mushrooms rapidly absorb water, which can lead to swelling and a loss of flavor. This is the basis for the idea that mushrooms should not be washed. The best way to clean them is by using a brush or paper towel.
2. Chicken: Clean, Don’t Wash
Washing chicken and similar meats can lead to the spread of bacteria. In fact, it’s more appropriate to clean the meat with a paper towel or brush before cooking instead of washing it.
3. Eggs: Washing Can Damage the Shell and Increase Bacterial Risk
Washing eggs can damage their shells and allow bacteria to enter. To clean the dirt on the egg surface, it’s better to use a brush or paper towel.
4. Potatoes: Protect the Skin and Maintain Nutritional Value
Washing potatoes can damage the skin and cause a loss of nutritional value. When cleaning potatoes, it’s better to gently scrub them with a brush.
5. Rice: Washing Can Change Nutritional Value and Structure
When rice is washed, it can lose nutritional value and its structure can change. To clean rice, it’s better to wash it in a strainer or a container with a strainer.
6. Dried Legumes: Clean with a Brush or Paper Towel
Washing dried legumes can lead to a loss of nutritional values and change their structure. To clean these foods, it’s better to use a brush or paper towel.
The primary reason for not washing the foods mentioned above is not only the loss of nutritional value but also the alteration of the food’s structure. Therefore, it’s beneficial to use alternative methods to clean these foods.
Foods That Should Be Washed
However, there are also certain foods that should definitely be washed. Here are those foods:
Fruits and Vegetables with Skin
Since fruits and vegetables are stored outdoors for a long time, they can harbor a lot of germs. Therefore, they should definitely be washed before being eaten.
Canned Goods
Cans travel through many places from production to your table. Therefore, they should be washed before consumption.
Nuts with Shells
Foods such as almonds and hazelnuts should be washed before eating because the conditions in which they grow and are stored are unknown.
Dried Fruits
Foods like apricots and dried figs can have germs on their surfaces. Dried fruits are often sold in open containers, so they should definitely be washed before eating.
Conclusion
It’s important to know which foods need to be washed and which ones don’t for food safety and preserving nutritional value. Remember, washing certain foods can lead to a loss of nutritional value or a reduction in flavor. Consider using alternative methods to clean foods that should not be washed.
Being a conscious consumer is one of the cornerstones of a healthy life. Therefore, it’s important for you to know how to clean different foods and to implement this knowledge.
