Nutritionist Urges 15-Minute Produce Soak to Cut Bacteria and Chemical Residue
Updated
Updated · Vogue · Jul 11
Nutritionist Urges 15-Minute Produce Soak to Cut Bacteria and Chemical Residue
1 articles · Updated · Vogue · Jul 11
Summary
Jessic Shand recommends soaking fruits and vegetables in water mixed with vinegar or baking soda, then rinsing and drying them, as a stronger alternative to a quick tap-water wash.
The 15-minute routine is aimed at stripping off chemical residue while reducing bacteria and parasites such as cyclospora; delicate berries should soak for no more than 5 minutes.
Shand says even organic produce should be washed because handling and transport can introduce contaminants before it reaches consumers.
She also warns against trusting pre-washed or triple-washed labels, citing past links between bagged salads and E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria outbreaks.