Foods you should wash thoroughly during this rainy season to avoid foodborne illnesses

The monsoon in India brings with it an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, but also the risk of waterborne infections. Therefore, it is essential to be careful while consuming these products during this rainy season. Improper washing can lead to the transmission of harmful bacteria and pathogens, resulting in foodborne illnesses. The best way to reduce the risk is to Wash food well Before cooking or consuming, to ensure safety and enjoy the bounty of monsoon produce, here is a list of fruits and vegetables that require thorough washing:

Here are fruits and vegetables that you should wash well:

1. Green leafy vegetables:

• Spinach: Spinach leaves can harbor dirt, pesticides, and harmful bacteria. Wash them thoroughly with several changes of cold water to remove any contaminants.
• Lettuce: Like spinach, lettuce can also be contaminated with bacteria. Rinse it thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves to ensure proper cleaning.
• Kale: This leafy green vegetable is often grown in open fields, so it is prone to contamination. Wash it carefully with cold water to remove dirt and pesticides.

Read also: 5 things to keep in mind when cleaning fruits and vegetables

2. Fruits with rough skin:

• Melons: The rough exterior of melons can harbor dirt and bacteria. Wash them thoroughly with a brush under running water to remove any contaminants.
• Papaya: Papaya, with its bumpy skin, can also be contaminated. Scrub it gently with a brush and rinse well.
• Pineapple: The rough exterior of a pineapple can harbor dirt and bacteria. Wash it carefully with a brush and remove the top before cutting.

3. Root vegetables:

• Potatoes: Potatoes grown in the rainy season may be contaminated with soil and bacteria. Scrub them thoroughly with a brush under running water.
• Carrots: Carrots, especially those grown outdoors, can be exposed to contaminants. Wash them carefully to remove dirt and pesticides.
• Radishes: Radishes, with their rough skin, can also harbor bacteria. Wash them well before eating.

Read also: 5 tips to protect yourself from germs when shopping

4. Other fruits and vegetables:

Tomatoes: Tomatoes grown during the rainy season may be contaminated with dirt and bacteria. Wash them thoroughly under running water.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers can also harbor bacteria on their skin. Wash them thoroughly with a brush and rinse them well.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers may be contaminated with pesticides and bacteria. Wash them thoroughly under running water.

Read also: Should you soak fruits in water? Here’s the answer

Tips for safe washing:

• Use clean water: Always use clean running water to wash fruits and vegetables.
• Gently scrub: Use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and contaminants from products.
• Cut off damaged parts: Discard any damaged or bruised parts of the product.
• Dry thoroughly: After washing, dry the product with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Remember, prevention is key, so take the necessary precautions to protect your health and that of your family.

About Neha GroverHer love for reading sparked her writerly instinct. Neha is guilty of having a deep fixation with anything containing caffeine. When she is not pouring her thoughts on screen, she can be seen reading while sipping on coffee.