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Clean as a Cucumber

Healthy Answers, April 1, 2000

By Shauna Curphey

Do you fear what lurks on the surface of your honeydews? Advertisements touting fruit and vegetable washes have consumers wondering about the safety of their produce. Fruits and veggies have long been a staple of healthy diets: The average American eats 300 pounds of produce a year. But should we fear fresh?

The truth is, bacteria or pesticide residues on the surface of fruits and vegetables can pose health threats--though serious illness is rare. Produce lovers should follow these basic steps:

Before handling food, wash hands in warm, soapy water.

For leafy vegetables, peel and discard outside leaves. For other produce, cut away bruises and blemishes.

Wash produce in cold water. Scrub firm vegetables and fruits with a clean produce brush. Place delicate produce in a colander and rinse thoroughly.

Studies show that water removes approximately 90 percent of all residues. Those not satisfied with this result can turn to produce washes or diluted mild soap, which are slightly more effective than water.

“There isn’t evidence you need special products you pay a lot of money for,” says Dr. Mark Kestin, chair of the Nutrition Department at Bastyr University in Seattle.

He suggests washing produce with water and a bristle brush. If you want to be extra cautious, Dr. Kestin sanctions using a diluted, natural soap.

Though the FDA doesn’t endorse produce washes or detergents because they aren’t tested for use on food, produce purists can use them with confidence, provided they thoroughly rinse fruit and vegetables after washing. Nutritionist Tracy Burns recommends washes for the residue-wary.

“I do point out and encourage people to use those,” she says. “I also encourage people to buy organics when they’re available.”