Some people think that special fruit and vegetable washes are superior to tap water, but a new article in Modern Farmer magazine cites research from the University of Maine that regular water is just as effective in cleaning produce.
The article, "7 Myths About Washing Your Produce," also refutes the idea that organic foods don't need to be cleaned. Not true, says the author, since both organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables can be contaminated in transit or by handling in stores.
How about pre-washed or triple-washed lettuce? It is safe to eat without additional rinsing, according to the article. But it's advisable to wash fruits and vegetables that need to be peeled, since bacteria on the outside can be transferred to the inside during the peeling process.
To see the article - which includes other tips such as what to do about mold - go to: http://modernfarmer.com/category/food/
