How to wash fruits and vegetables during the coronavirus crisis

How to wash fruits and vegetables well during coronavirus spread

Because of the coronavirus crisis, people are paying much attention to the safety measures necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. You may be wondering how to wash fruits and vegetables. Here are a few tips.

Washing fruits and vegetables properly is an important factor in removing contaminants that may remain. Therefore, it is important to know the right steps to follow to minimize the risk of infectious disease.

Recently, worries and fears have increased due to the spread of coronavirus. However, the guidelines we introduce today are actions we should follow whenever we eat fruit and vegetables. This is true even when peeled and eaten.

When washing fruits and vegetables, remove any dirt and grime that may remain. In addition, residual pesticides, bacteria and other pathogens that can cause addiction or health problems should be removed.

Can coronaviruses spread through food?

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been closely following the situation. According to the agency's report, there is currently no evidence that food can be a means of spreading the virus.

“Scientists and authorities around the world are monitoring the spread of the virus and there have been no reports of transmission through food.”

– European Food Safety Authority


Marta Hugas, the chief scientist at the European Food Safety Agency, said he had reached this conclusion based on his previous experience with coronavirus outbreaks. This includes parts similar to Corona 19 (COVID-19), such as SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV. Current infection is a discharge droplet through sneezing or coughing when inhaled a healthy person can spread the virus from person to person.


What has been discovered so far through research is that products are not a means to spread coronavirus. Likewise, it is always important to properly wash fruits and vegetables.

How to properly wash fruits and vegetables

As already stated, it is unlikely that coronavirus will spread through food. However, maintaining certain daily hygiene standards can help minimize risk.

Before washing fruits and vegetables, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Also, when washing fruits and vegetables, residues may remain, so you do not need to use soap or detergent.

So how do you properly wash fruits and vegetables?

Here are some recommendations:

How to wash various vegetables


  • For leafy vegetables such as lettuce or green vegetables, separate the leaves and wash them one by one. This will remove any dirt, pesticides, or fertilizers that may remain inside the plant.
  • For harder vegetables such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and bell peppers, a special brush for cleaning can be used. Gently rub the entire surface of the vegetable under running water.
  • As for cauliflower and broccoli, it is recommended to cut the flower part of vegetables first. Then sieve and soak in cold water. This will clean the inside of plants that cannot be reached without cutting.
  • To wash root vegetables, such as potatoes, beets, carrots, or turnips, it's a good idea to soak them in water to soften the hardened soil. Then rub the vegetables with a brush or sponge under running water without using detergent. Always wash and use before peeling.


How to wash common fruit varieties


  • Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all very fragile fruits. Therefore, it is good to soak in cold water for a while. Then gently rub and rinse with your hands.
  • Whether you plan to eat a fruit peel or not, before eating fruit, you should always wash the peel. Rinse the fruit with water from the faucet and rub gently with your hands. Some examples are peaches, pears, apples, plums, and nectarines.
  • Lemons, kiwis, papaya, or inedible peeled fruits should also be washed before peeling. Otherwise, there is a risk of contaminating the inside of the fruit with a knife used for peeling.
  • To keep the fruits and vegetables in clean condition better, drain them with a paper towel.




                         "Wash fruits and vegetables in water for several minutes before eating."

Should I use disinfectants when washing fruits and vegetables?

Again, it is very difficult and almost impossible for the coronavirus to spread through food. Therefore, health and food safety authorities do not recommend the use of disinfectants when washing fruits.

If you still want to use it, make sure it is a safe product for use with food. Also, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The emphasis and recommendation of all experts are that the basic norms of hygiene and food safety must be followed thoroughly. In addition to washing fruits and vegetables, you should also follow these guidelines.


Wash your hands before and after touching food. In addition, dishes and worktops must be thoroughly washed.

Fruits and vegetables should be kept separate from raw meat and raw fish. Don't use the same tools and cutting boards when cooking.

Cook and heat vegetables before eating. When eating a salad, wash all the ingredients before slicing the vegetables and putting them on a plate.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables in good condition.

Don't forget the general precautions to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Washing is the most basic safety measure

In fact, fruits and vegetables should be eaten as usual and washed well before cooking. At the same time these days, food can help protect yourself from coronaviruses, even if the chances of spreading the virus are very low. It can also remove soil, fertilizer, or other pathogens that may be on the surface at the same time.
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