(Tips for handling fruits and vegetables) * First of all, before handling any food wash your hands for twenty seconds with soap and water. *Before cutting or eating, wash all food thoroughly under running water. There is no need to use any soap, detergent or chlorine for washing as they leave residues of their own and are avoidable. Sturdy foods like cucumbers and melons can be scrubbed with a scrubbing brush. Wash the chopping board and knife thoroughly after using it for meat, poultry and seafood if the same board will be used for cutting fruits and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination. Even if you intend to discard the outer covering, for example in case of a cucumber, it is advisable to wash first as dirt and bacteria present on it may get transferred to the knife and consequently to the inside. After growing sprouts store in the fridge in a covered container. Before eating steam or lightly cook the sprouts. This has two advantages: they are easier to digest and the heat kills any bacteria lurking in them. To prevent apples, pears and bananas from turning brown after cutting, coat them with an acidic juice from pineapple, lemon or orange. Alternatively mix these fruits with acidic ones in case of a fruit salad, as they’ll keep them from changing colour. Cut fruits as close to serving time as possible. After cutting, cover with cling wrap and put it in the refrigerator. It is important to cover them with cling wrap to prevent them from taking on the odour of other food in the fridge. Remove the outer leaves of cabbage and lettuce before chopping them. Cut out any overripe parts of the fruit or vegetable before washing and handling. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water from your greens, pop them in the spinner after washing each leaf thoroughly under tap water. Any excess water can be dabbed at with a clean towel or kitchen roll. This is important while preparing a salad with greens. If water is present the dressing slides off the greens and collects in the bottom of the bowl. A melon baller is a handy implement. Use it to core apples and pears, remove the seeds from papayas and kiwi and remove the seeds and pulp from capsicum. Many bagged foods are pre-washed. If the label on the packet mentions that it is pre-washed, there is no need to wash it again at home. Some fruits like apples have a waxy coat on them for a longer shelf life and to enhance their appearance. This coat can be removed by scraping with a knife or dipping the fruit in a solution of potassium permanganate or warm salt water. Berries and grapes are often sprayed with a lot of pesticides. Soak them in warm salt water for 5 minutes and then hold them under running water. Allow the excess water to drain in a colander.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 06:25:55 +0000