How to Wash Fruit and Vegetables Properly

Washing fresh fruit and vegetables is a simple part of preparing produce at home. But different shapes, surfaces and textures can mean giving some produce a little more attention than others.

Here's a practical routine for washing fresh produce before eating, cooking or storing it.

How should you wash fruit and vegetables?

Start with clean hands and give your produce a thorough wash, paying particular attention to areas where dirt and everyday residues may collect.

Firmer produce can be gently rubbed, leafy vegetables may need separating, and textured or hard-skinned produce can benefit from a clean produce brush.

If you're using a dedicated fruit and vegetable wash, follow the directions provided with the product and finish with a thorough rinse in fresh water.

Start with clean hands

Wash and dry your hands before handling fresh produce.

It's also worth making sure your preparation surfaces, utensils and any bowls or equipment you're using are clean.

Give different produce the attention it needs

Not all fruit and vegetables are the same.

Smooth, firm produce such as apples, capsicums and cucumbers can be gently rubbed while washing.

Leafy greens can hold dirt between leaves and around folds, so separate the leaves where appropriate and make sure those areas are washed thoroughly.

Harder or more textured produce, such as potatoes, carrots and melons, can be gently scrubbed with a clean produce brush.

Don't forget produce you're going to peel

It's still a good idea to wash produce before cutting or peeling it, even when you don't plan to eat the skin.

Washing the outside first means you're starting with a clean surface before you begin preparing it.

Using a fruit and vegetable wash

If you choose to use a dedicated fruit and vegetable wash, follow the directions provided rather than estimating how much to use or how long to wash for.

Plantaera is a concentrated, plant-based fruit and vegetable wash designed specifically for washing fresh produce.

Add the recommended amount of Plantaera to water, wash your produce according to the directions, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Rinse after washing

After using Plantaera, rinse your fruit and vegetables thoroughly with fresh water.

They're then ready to eat, prepare or dry for storage.

Dry before storing

If you're washing produce before putting it away, drying is an important part of the routine.

Remove excess water and dry the produce appropriately before storing it. Depending on what you're washing, a clean towel or salad spinner can make this easier.

What about soap and detergent?

Household soaps and detergents aren't designed for washing food and shouldn't be used on fresh fruit and vegetables.

If you want to use something in addition to water, choose a product specifically designed for washing fresh produce and follow its directions for use.

The bottom line

A good produce-washing routine doesn't need to be complicated.

Start with clean hands, give different types of produce the attention their surfaces need, and if you're using a dedicated fruit and vegetable wash such as Plantaera, follow the directions and finish with a thorough rinse in fresh water.

A few simple steps can easily become part of your everyday kitchen routine.