how to wash fruit

[Palo_Verde]

They always say to be sure to wash fruit before you eat it. But what exactly does that mean? Use soap? Rinse under the tap? Rub with a paper towel?

And what about something like broccoli that you can’t really scrub?

Am I just being paranoid?

[Nametag]

The FDA, EPA and USDA recommend the following:

The most effective method is [washing] fruit separately under cold running water and, when appropriate, scrubbing with a brush. Washing well with water has been shown to reduce the number of microorganisms on vegetables and fruit by 10 to 100 times and is also effective for removing pesticide residues.

Discard outer leaves of leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage. Break apart leafy produce and wash each piece individually.

Scrub the outside of melons with water before cutting through the rind. Rinse thoroughly.

Rub whole items such as apples or tomatoes by hand with a paper towel after washing them.

Carrots, potatoes and other root crops should be scrubbed with a vegetable brush.

Break apart vegetables that have tight heads, such as broccoli or
cauliflower, before washing.

Cut vegetables and fruit on a clean board or surface – not one that was just used for raw meat. Be sure to use a clean knife.