The skin of fresh fruits and vegetables can have germs that can make you sick. They also can contain chemicals that farmers use to help the plants grow. That’s why it’s a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Here are some tips:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fruits and vegetables.
- Rinse all fresh fruit and vegetables with warm water, even if you don’t eat the skin or peel. Germs on the skin or peel can spread to the inside when you cut or peel it.
- If there is a firm skin, such as on apples or potatoes, use a scrub brush to clean it.
- Cut away bruised or damaged areas on fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
- Most fresh fruits and vegetables will stay fresher if put in the refrigerator, but some will not. For example, it is OK to keep potatoes and bananas on the kitchen counter. But return cut and peeled fruits and vegetables to the refrigerator within two hours. Put them in the crisper and cover them.
Article from The StayWell Company, LLC