Foods You’re Probably Not Washing (But Should Be)
Washing produce is second nature for most people, but some ingredients slip through the cracks. Even foods that seem clean or have an outer peel carry dirt, debris, or traces of handling. Giving them a quick rinse helps protect you and improves their quality in the kitchen.
Here are common foods many people forget to wash but absolutely should.
Citrus fruits
Even if you are only using the juice, washing citrus is important. Dirt and bacteria on the peel can transfer to the inside when you slice it.
A quick scrub under running water removes residue from shipping and handling.
Rice and grains
Rice often contains surface starches that can make it clump or cook unevenly. Rinsing it before cooking helps achieve a fluffier texture.
Other grains like quinoa benefit even more because rinsing removes their natural coating, which can taste bitter. A quick wash under running water will give them better flavor and texture.
Melons
Melons may have tough rinds, but they still collect bacteria and dirt during transport. When you cut them, that debris can transfer onto the edible flesh.
Rinsing and scrubbing the outer surface helps keep your fruit safe to eat.
Mangoes
Due to their thick skins, it may seem unnecessary to give mangoes a rinse before eating them, but it's actually an important step.
Rinsing mangoes will prevent the transfer of any bacteria or dirt once you cut through the skin.
Kiwis
Kiwi skin is actually safe to eat once it's been washed, and they can be a source of fiber.
However, whether you intend to eat kiwi with the skin or not, it's still important to rinse the entire fruit to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Avocados
It's easy to forget the washing step when it comes to avocados, but it's actually quite important.
Giving them a quick rinse is a simple practice that will protect the inner flesh from bacteria and dirt.
The takeaway
Taking a few seconds to rinse commonly overlooked foods can make your meals safer and taste better.
With these simple habits, you can create a cleaner kitchen routine and enjoy fresher, tastier results in any dish.