September 10th, 2019

Learn which foods you should be washing and which you shouldn't.

​​These Are the Reasons You Should Not Wash Every Food

Almost every one of us has been raised with the idea that you should wash and clean every food that you bring into your kitchen. This is why most people are shocked to find that there are actually some foods that do not need to be washed. We understand that it is important to rid your food of any impurities that might damage your family’s health. But you might be surprised to learn that washing certain foods might actually be exposing you and your loved ones to serious health conditions. This is why it is crucial that you learn about which foods you should be washing, and which ones require other cleaning measures that do not involve exposing them to water.

Canned Food

Canned foods are known for their long shelf life. This makes them highly susceptible to developing gross impurities that you certainly do not want to expose your kitchen and body to. Dangerous particles from cans, especially the lids, can contaminate your food. This is why experts recommend that you thoroughly wash the cans of all canned foods and leave them to dry before you open the lid. In the case of canned beans, it is also recommended that you drain, and thoroughly rinse the contents with water. But make sure that the water you are rinsing them with is cold, as hot water can damage your food. This will help you get rid of the excessive amount of sodium that can be found in the liquids used to preserve them.

Raw Fish, Meat, and Poultry

This is a good example of foods that should absolutely not be washed, as it often does them more harm than good. Most people think that it is a good idea to wash meat and poultry to help rid them of any bacteria that might cause them and their loved ones harm. Researchers have demonstrated that getting rid of the bacteria in these foods will require washing them with scalding hot water. This is just not possible when you are washing these foods at home. The United States Department of Agriculture advises against washing raw meat and poultry. The reason behind this is that washing them with water promotes the spread of contamination on both your food and your kitchen surface.

Eggs

You might be surprised to learn that you should keep the eggs you purchase as far away from water as possible. Most of the eggs that you buy from stores have already been washed soon after they have been laid. They have also most likely been covered with a protective layer of mineral oil to help shield their shells from bacteria. This is why the United States Department of Agriculture recommends that you do not wash store-bought eggs once you bring them home. This might actually lead to dangerous contamination that could put you and your loved ones in grave danger.

Herbs

Using herbs in your culinary endeavors will help you add different aromas to your meals and make your food taste so much better. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals that will benefit your health and well-being. If you regularly buy herbs, you have certainly noticed that they often have some amount of dirt on them. If left unwashed, herbs can contaminate your kitchen and other adjacent foods with bacteria from dirt and grit. This is why the USDA highly advises that you wash any type of herbs that you bring into your kitchen. Wash them carefully and then let them dry on a paper towel. You should also think about buying a salad spinner, as it will help you remove any excess water from your herbs after washing them.

Shellfish

Clams, mussels, and all types of shellfish should definitely be washed! These foods often contain more than enough silt and sand to cause damage to your health. That is why you should thoroughly rinse them with cold water before you consume them. It is also highly recommended that you put them in a pot full of water and leave them inside the fridge for approximately 30 minutes. It is also a good idea to add some salt to the pot before you put it in the fridge. After 30 minutes take the pot out of the fridge, scoop the shellfish and give the shells another wash.

We sincerely hope that this article has helped clear out some misconceptions that you might have had concerning which foods should be washed, and which shouldn’t. Please share this article with friends and family to warn them against washing every food they bring inside their kitchen.