Tag: Clean fruit

Contrary to popular belief, freezing fruit does not kill harmful bacteria, it only makes them dormant. This means that any microorganisms present on the fruit remain in a state of 'pause' until the fruit is thawed, debunking the idea that freezing fruit cleans it and making pre-freezing preparation critical.

Research from the Graz University of Technology in Austria found that an apple can contain around 100 million bacteria, demonstrating why it is important to wash apples thoroughly. Simply rinsing helps remove a host of potential contaminants, from harmful pathogens to pesticide residues and post-harvest waxes.

A 2017 study in the *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry* highlighted that a simple solution can dramatically reduce pesticide residues. Understanding how much hydrogen peroxide to clean fruit is key to replicating these methods safely at home for your fresh produce.

According to a study cited by Food Network, rinsing produce in a diluted vinegar solution can significantly reduce surface bacteria and pesticides, offering a simple and affordable way to improve food hygiene. This practice is especially effective for fruits with delicate skins or those that are consumed raw, where a simple water rinse may not feel sufficient.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), washing fruits and vegetables under cool, running water is the most recommended method, but a diluted vinegar solution can be a safe and effective extra step. So, can you use vinegar to wash fruit? Yes, and it's a common practice for many.