Everyone who cares about their health knows how important it is to wash food once purchased. However, although this may seem like a relatively simple task, because you only have to open the tap and rinse the product underwater, this operation has its subtleties and complexities …
Nice gathered for you, today, several common products that are not always treated properly.
Frozen vegetables
Packaged frozen vegetables often make life easier for those who work; just put them in a saucepan and cook them. But there is also a secret. Before being frozen, they are specially prepared under a very high flow of water. That’s why many people do not wash them before cooking and it’s okay as long as the dish is going to be prepared at high temperature. However, if you prefer vegetables “al dente”, it is better to wash them and prepare them as if they were fresh, especially if they were frozen separately or bought in bulk.
Rice
All types of rice should be washed 3-4 times before cooking, especially long grain rice. And we’re not talking about dust or other possible contaminants, but about starch on the grain surface. It is thanks to him that the cooked rice adheres in the form of viscous paste and looks unappetizing, whereas the previous washing seemed ideal: grain by grain. It is also worth washing several starch-containing cereals, such as corn or wheat, with water until the water is clear so that the final result is not sticky.
Mussels and oysters
All shellfish should be thoroughly washed , even if you bought them frozen. The fact is that sand and seaweed can accumulate inside the shells. The impurities then rise to the surface during their preparation and can complete the dish, but you certainly do not need such “spices”.
Milk and dairy products
Pouches and bottles of milk, drinking yogurts and other liquid products must also be washed before opening. The milk that is found in supermarkets is available to all those who pass the shelf in search of an expiry date or milk that suits them. Then, the container passes through the carpet of the cash register, whose cleanliness is also questionable. As soon as we open the bag or bottle, we let in bacteria on the surface, so it is better to rinse the package well before opening it.
Fish
You do not need to rinse the fish if you are not going to eat it raw. During cooking, all the bacteria in the net die under the action of high temperature, but during washing, they can move on other elements of the kitchen. That’s why you have to wash your hands, and clean the cutting board and knife after cutting fish.
The cabbage
Cauliflower, broccoli and red or white cabbage should be washed well. In the case of cauliflower and broccoli, separate the leaves and rinse them individually. With red and white cabbage, it’s a bit more complex. First, when washing, it is necessary to remove 2-3 upper leaves, because dust and sand can hide behind them. Bacteria and insects can be killed with vinegar water . Put the cabbage in the vinegar water for a few minutes, then rinse it again with water so that it is perfectly clean.
Beverages in cans
Drinking soda or juice in a can is very pleasant, especially in hot weather: the aluminum container helps to cool the drink, which makes it more delicious. However, do not rush to bring the can to your lips: drinks often arrive in stores in dusty vehicles, and everyone has free access. If possible, wash the lid and the container, or clean them with a towel. The best option is still to serve it in a glass.
Salad leaves
Iceberg lettuce, arugula, and in general, all green leaves are very good for health and delicious. But if you do not take prepared vegetables, cabbage or potted lettuce, it is very important to wash the leaves well. To avoid dirt between the leaves, you must hold the lettuce in your hands and soak it for a few minutes in cold water. Then remove the leaves from the water and place them on a paper towel to drain them. And that’s it, you can now eat your lettuce without any problem!
Apples
Seasonal fruits harvested locally do not generally require transportation, but for off-season apples, it is important to wash them in the right way. Studies have shown that if we leave the fruit in the water with baking soda for 12 minutes, even the pesticides can be eliminated. These apples can then be eaten in peace.
Everyone has their cooking secrets and family culinary traditions. Share with us in the comments the tips you know to clean products or prepared foods!
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