More than a year and a half later, the population’s behavior patterns in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic are starting to return to normal — and it is already possible to identify which changes are here to stay. In a survey carried out by Cleanipediaa portal with cleaning and hygiene tips, between March 2020 (the first month of the pandemic in Brazil) and February 2021, 9,569 searches were carried out on Google for the term “how to sanitize fruits and vegetables”, a number that represents an increase of more than 4 times in just one year.
The concern for the most recommended way of sanitizing and cleaning food correctly is not by chance. Fruits and vegetables have become consumers’ allies in the search for a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins — one of the main ways to strengthen the immune system. To this end, Cleanipedia experts explain the correct way to clean these foods.
What this article covers:
Importance of correct cleaning of vegetables and fruits.
Disinfecting food, especially those eaten in natura, is extremely important to avoid contagion by any type of micro-organism. Although the Sars-cov-2 virus has no proven transmission through food, other microorganisms and surface residues can — and should — be removed.
However, fruits and vegetables have different ways of cleaning and following the advice of professionals not only helps to make them ready for consumption but also to prevent them from getting hurt – or even spoiled – in the cleaning process.
Which products are indicated?
Generally, running water will always be your best friend when cleaning food, as the water pressure does not hurt vegetables and manages to remove dirt and more superficial microorganisms.
For some, it is also necessary to make a mixture of water with sodium hypochlorite, bleach or alcohol vinegar, since the aqueous dilution also removes the most persistent microorganisms, which settle on the peels.
Therefore, we are often scared by the amount of dirt that floats in the water when we put a fruit or vegetable in a sauce, for example. This is normal and part of the cleaning process.
How to perform the ideal cleaning of fruits and vegetables?
As hypochlorite and bleach are slightly stronger substances, always use only the amount recommended on the package. To begin with, the ideal is to use a basin or large pot to immerse the fruit or vegetable entirely in the water already prepared with the solution. Remember to always remove excess product with one more “round” of running water, before drying the food and putting it away.
Also, the sauce is exclusive to vegetables that will be consumed raw or fruits with the skin. For other foods, such as eggplant and onion, the high temperature when sautéing is enough to kill microorganisms, so just pass them under running water.
Taking care of your food is taking care of yourself!
The tips you’ve seen were provided by experts from Cleanipedia, one of the main references in cleaning and hygiene in Brazil. The portal helps thousands of users to organize their homes every month and leave all their home environments always clean and cozy.
