8 Foods You Should Be Washing But Probably Aren’t

Posted by Jenny Potter on November 3, 2016

While you're busy scrubbing potatoes and rinsing salad greens, you've probably never thought of washing some of these foods before you take that first bite. Find out why you should be washing these particular foods and then learn the best methods for washing them.

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Fresh Herbs

 It can be tempting to snip off a sprig of parsley or chop a bunch of cilantro without washing, but it's worth giving fresh herbs a rinse. Not only does it remove dirt and grit left clinging to leaves, washing your herbs right away will help keep them fresh for longer. For more, check out our <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/the-ultimate-herb-guide-varieties-and-best-uses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ultimate herb guide for all their varieties and best uses</a>.
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Cans and Jars

 Cans sit on shelves, collecting dust long before you take them home to live in your pantry. And who knows how many times they’ve been touched, rolled around a cart, or fell on the floor before they ended up in your home. While the contents will be safe, it's always best to give your cans a quick rinse before you open them, just to ensure any dust or grime doesn’t end up contaminating the food inside.
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Beans

 If you're cooking dry beans, it's best to give them a quick rinse in a colander before you cook. It will help get rid of any dust, and allow you to pick out any small stones or twigs in the bag. This step is especially important if you're making sprouted beans. For dinner inspiration, these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-recipes-with-beans/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recipes will make you rethink canned beans</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/southwestern-black-beans/20349/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Southwestern Black Beans</a>
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Organic Fruits and Veggies

 While it's tempting to bite right into those fresh berries from the farmers market, resist the urge. Just because they aren’t treated with pesticides, it doesn’t mean those tasty little gems are perfectly clean. Best give all organic fruits and veggies a thorough rinse before you enjoy.
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Citrus and Melons

 Just because you don’t plan on eating a fruit’s thick skin, doesn’t mean it gets a free pass. Get into the habit of washing the dust and dirt from melon skins and citrus fruits before you slice and dice. Give those lemons a gentle scrub before you cut up a wedge for a drink.
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Shellfish

 Shellfish, such as mussels and clams, should be soaked in cold water for at least 20 minutes before you cook them. This will give them time to release any sediment or sand that may be lurking inside. Then, give them one last scrub under running water. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-cioppino/15486/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Cioppino</a>
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Quinoa and Rice

 If you’ve ever suffered through bitter <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/delicious-quinoa-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quinoa</a>, you’ll have learned the importance of rinsing this grain. Giving it a quick wash helps remove the bitter coating before cooking. <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-tasty-ways-use-leftover-rice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rice</a> is another grain that can benefit from a rinse before hitting the pot. This will remove some of the starch and stickiness, leaving you with fluffy rice. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quinoa-and-vegetable-stuffed-peppers/15724/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers</a>
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Mushrooms

 To wash or not to wash? This is the contentious question. While some food authorities are anti-mushroom washing, a <a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/features/8349-mushrooms-101-everything-you-need-to-know" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cooks Illustrated article</a> recommends using a salad spinner to wash away dirt from whole mushrooms, while giving them a quick spin-dry. This method removes dirt without allowing water to permeate soft, spongy mushrooms.
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