Before You Eat the Rainbow, Wash It Right

You took the time to pick out gorgeous fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market or your favorite grocery store. Before you slice or snack, don’t skip the most important step: washing them. With so much advice online, it’s not easy to separate myths from facts.

Let’s clear things up so you can keep your food safe without wasting time or money.

Why Washing Matters

Even the freshest fruits and veggies can bring along more than just flavor. Dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residue can make their way from the farm to your kitchen. Yuck! Even organic produce can pick up contaminants during growing, harvesting, or transport. A little extra care can help you avoid illness and make your produce taste its best.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth 1: A quick splash of water is enough.
Fact: Water helps, but friction is what really gets things clean. Gently rub produce with your hands or a clean produce brush to remove more than water alone can.

Myth 2: Soap or detergent gets produce cleaner.
Fact: Skip it. Soap and detergents aren’t meant to be eaten, and leftover residue can be harmful. The FDA recommends plain water instead.

Myth 3: Organic produce doesn’t need washing.
Fact: Organic means fewer synthetic pesticides, not zero bacteria. Soil, insects, and handling can still leave behind contaminants.

Myth 4: A vinegar soak kills everything.
Fact: A diluted vinegar solution (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) can help reduce bacteria and some pesticides, but it’s not foolproof. It’s an optional extra step, but not a replacement for rinsing.

Myth 5: Store-bought produce washes work better than water.
Fact: They’re usually no more effective than running water and gentle rubbing. If you like using them and they’re food-safe, go ahead, but they’re not necessary.

What Actually Works

• Start with clean hands. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  
  
• Rinse under running water. Cool or lukewarm works best. Avoid soaking produce in the sink, since that can spread contaminants.
  
  
• Add friction. Rub firm produce like apples or cucumbers under running water. For softer fruits like grapes or tomatoes, rub gently with your fingers.
  
  
• Brush tougher skins. Give carrots, potatoes, and melons a light scrub with a produce brush.
  
  
• Dry with a clean towel. This can help remove any lingering bacteria.
  
  

Best Practices by Type

• Leafy greens: Separate the leaves, rinse each one, and dry with a salad spinner or clean towel.
  
  
• Berries: Rinse right before eating to help prevent mold. Use a colander and shake gently under cool water.
  
  
• Root vegetables: Scrub under running water before cooking or peeling.
  
  
• Melons: Wash the rind before cutting so you don’t drag bacteria inside.
  
  
• Produce you peel (bananas, oranges, etc.): Even if you don’t eat the skin, wash it first so you’re not transferring anything from the outside to the inside.
  
  

Washing produce isn’t difficult or complicated, but it does take a little more than a quick rinse. Follow these simple, science-backed tips and you’ll get the freshest taste with less risk.

You didn’t think I’d talk about fruits and veggies without nudging you to eat them, right? Wash them, chop them, and enjoy every colorful bite!

About Water Safety If you have access to clean, drinkable tap water, that’s all you need for washing produce. But if your local water supply isn’t considered safe for drinking, check with