Water is our solution to all kinds of health issues; we wash our bodies to cleanse ourselves, we wash our clothes, we wash our stuff and we wash all our food! Well, health is important, and water seems to do the cleansing job most of the time, but there are several situations it doesn’t, some of which are explained below. Has anyone ever told you that some foods are better left unwashed? Well, here they are, the five foods you should wash and those five that you totally shouldn’t!
1. Never Wash: Eggs
The United States Department of Agriculture explains that eggs should not be washed as it removes the natural coating of just-laid eggs that help prevent bacteria from permeating the shell. Store bought eggs have been washed as part of the commercial process, and often egg companies will spray a light mineral oil on them which helps restore the protection.
The USDA also says it’s not necessary to wash store-bought eggs as the washing process may increase the risk of contamination as water can enter small cracks and crevices in the egg shell.
2. Never Wash: Chicken
Now this is a compulsory practice, isn’t it? We’ve all heard the salmonella story and you know you don’t want that thing in your system, even if you don’t know the details. Well, the best way to avoid avian transmitted diseases is to better not wash that breast piece you have in your fridge. The only sure way to kill bacteria is boiling and temperature, the only thing washing does is get the bacteria onto your hands and onto the kitchen sink and where else your taking those wet hands around the kitchen, so it is better not to wash your breast piece, but lets boil it twice for good measure.
3. Never Wash: Pasta
Many chefs agree that in order to make a truly great hot pasta, it should never be washed as it removes the pasta’s ability to absorb the deliciousness of the sauce. Once pasta has been cooked and drained, it is coated with a starchy film. This starchy film is crucial in helping the sauce cling to and get absorbed by the pasta, and you’ll never see professional chefs washing their hot pasta dishes.
Pasta can be washed when used in cold dishes, stir-fry, soba, udon or in salads.
4. Never Wash: Meat
Meat is no different from chicken; we wash it thoroughly before we even think of putting it in the curry, (maybe you are making steak today? Well its the same thing either way). In fact, it is better to take out the juice of the meat by using a few napkins, before boiling it or frying it. The method of boiling should be applied to almost all kinds of meat. Its the only sure way to get rid of unwanted bacteria or pathogens that can be harmful to the human body. In fact, it is a well-known fact that salmonella exists in water contaminated with blood from meat left frozen for a longer period of time.
5.Never Wash: Mushrooms
Mushrooms are quick to absorb water, and exposing them to water for a long time while washing can cause them to become mushy and/or to spoil. Chefs explain that mushrooms can get “waterlogged” and that this can affect their taste.
To remove dirt from mushrooms it’s better to simply brush them off with a paper towel, or to rinse them very quickly and then use a paper towel to dry them to avoid any absorption.
1. Always Wash: Metal Cans
Tin cans and all cans alike are our major method of preservation of vegetables and fruits. And these tin cans are usually protected from the inside from bacteria by the lid and the many layers of packing and preservation, but that doesn’t say that the bacteria cant get inside if you haven’t washed the outside of the can properly. That’s why it is extremely important to make sure you’ve rinsed the can before you’ve started taking out the produce.
2. Always Wash: Fruits And Vegetables With Edible Skin
Fruit with edible skin definitely needs to be washed with water before consuming. This is because the skin can contain dirt, the bacteria that comes with it, and also pesticides. Never use soap when washing edible fruit skin as soap and detergent residues remain on the skin and aren’t safe for consuming.
Organic is usually the best way to go for eating fruit with edible skin.
3. Always Wash: Peelable Fruit
While we may have not really cared about washing peelable fruit before, sometimes the dirt found on peelable fruit can contain harmful bacteria, and even E. Coli, so make sure to wash it to avoid the consuming or cross-contaminating of any unhealthy bacteria.
4. Always Wash: Rice
Not everyone was taught to wash their rice before cooking and eating, but in Japan where some of the best rice is grown and sold worldwide, families always wash their rice several times before heating it. Washing rice removes any dirt, debris and also removes the extra starch that causes rice to clump together.
Wash the rice with water 2 or 3 times before cooking for optimal results.
5. Always Wash: Nuts
Nuts should always be washed, even if they’ve already been peeled. Washing removes some of the phytic acid found in fresh nuts. While phytic acid helps keep the nuts safe from parasites, it can hinder the human body from properly absorbing vital nutrients and minerals.
Are there any foods you always or never wash before eating?
Let us know in the comments.
References: understandingcompassion.com, bornrealist.com
