1. First of all, before handling any food wash your hands for twenty
seconds with soap and water.
2. Before cutting or eating, wash all food thoroughly under running
water. There is no need to use any soap,detergent or chlorine
forwashing as they leave residues of their own and are avoidable.
Sturdy foods like cucumbers and melons can be scrubbed with a
scrubbing brush.
3. Wash the chopping board and knife thoroughly after using it for
meat, poultry and seafood if the same board will be used for cutting
fruits and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Even if you intend to discard the outer covering, for example in
case of a cucumber, it is advisable to wash first as dirt and bacteria
present on it may get transferred to the knife and consequently to the
inside.
5. After growing sprouts store in the fridge in a covered container.
Before eating steam or lightly cook the sprouts. This has two
advantages: they are easier to digest and the heat kills any bacteria
lurking in them.
6. To prevent apples, pears and bananas from turning brown after
cutting, coat them with an acidic juice from pineapple, lemon or
orange. Alternatively mix these fruits with acidic ones in case of a
fruit salad, as they'll keep them from changing colour.
7. Cut fruits as close to serving time as possible. After cutting,
cover with cling wrap and put it in the refrigerator. It is important
to cover themwith cling wrap to prevent them from taking on the odour
of other food in the fridge.
8. Remove the outer leavesof cabbage and lettuce before chopping them.
9. Cut out any overripe parts of the fruit or vegetable before washing
and handling.
10. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water from your greens, pop
them in the spinner after washing each leaf thoroughly under tap
water. Any excess water can be dabbed atwith a clean towel or kitchen
roll. This is important while preparing a salad with greens. If water
is present the dressing slides off the greens and collects in the
bottom of the bowl.
11. A melon baller is a handy implement. Use it to core apples and
pears, remove the seeds from papayas and kiwi and remove the seeds and
pulp from capsicum.
12. Many bagged foods arepre-washed. If the labelon the packet
mentionsthat it is pre-washed, there is no need to wash it again at
home.
13. Some fruits like apples have a waxy coat on them for a longer
shelf life and to enhance their appearance. This coat can be removed
by scraping with a knife or dipping the fruit in a solution of
potassium permanganate or warm salt water.
14. Berries and grapes are often sprayed with a lot of pesticides.
Soak them in warm salt water for 5 minutes and then hold them under
running water. Allow the excess water to drain in a colander.