5 Foods You Should NEVER Wash Plus 5 Foods You Always Need To Wash

Nov 26, 2018

You have most likely been lectured since early childhood on the importance of washing all food you prepare to eat. However, a little-known fact to most people is that this practice is harmful to some foods. The spreading of bacteria and other negative consequences occur when some foods are washed.

Eggs: Eggs are coated with a substance that provides protection from bacteria. When eggs are washed, this protection from bacteria is lost. The loss occurs because water destroys the protective coating sprayed onto eggs.

Chicken: The bacteria existing on the surface of chicken can be harmful to the health of humans. A common bacteria on the skin of a chicken is salmonella. Many people believe that washing chicken under water before preparing makes this less of a problem. The truth is, running water on chicken causes any bacteria present to spread to your hands and the sink.

Red Meat: Red meat is similar to chicken in that washing helps to spread bacteria to your sink and hands. The bacteria in red meat is eradicated with high cooking temperatures. You can also use a napkin to wipe at the surface of red meat before cooking. However, be sure to wash your hands immediately afterward.

Pasta: It is not a good idea to wash pasta before cooking. Any good chef will tell you that washing pasta removes the starch that is needed to properly absorb the sauce. Pasta can be washed after cooking when used in salads and stir-fry meals.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms should not be placed under water for any length of time. They should also not be soaked. A brief rinsing followed by a wipe down with a paper towel is a better course of action. It is important to do this only when mushrooms will be cooked immediately afterward. If not, the mushrooms are at risk for becoming spoiled and could lose their elasticity.

Non-Peeled Fruits And Vegetable​s: ​​The clean and shiny skin on the surface of fruits and vegetables is not a sign that washing is not needed. It is not necessary to use soap. Rinse the fruit or vegetable under a faucet and dry with a paper towel.

Tin Cans: Tin cans do not allow bacteria to affect the food it contains. However, not washing the outside of a tin can before opening it can expose the contents to bacteria.

Peeled Fruits And Vegetables: When the fruit or vegetable is peeled bacteria from the skin's surface can contaminate the edible part of the fruit. Foods like bananas, watermelon, and melons should always be washed for this reason.

Nuts: Nuts should always be washed. This fact is true even when the nut is already peeled. There is no certain way to know where the nuts were stored or the method of transportation that was used. Nuts contain phytic acid that provides protection from parasites. However, this acid can be harmful to the human body.

Dried Fruit: Many people believe dried fruit to be among the dirtiest food choice available. This belief holds especially true for dried fruit purchased by the pound. It is necessary to wash or soak dried fruit thoroughly before consumption.

What do you think about the foods on these lists? Do you know of other foods that should be added? Send this article to friends and family - they may be doing things in the kitchen that place themselves and family members at risk!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!