5 Foods You Should NEVER Wash Before Cooking

by Maria Konou Aug 29, 2022 @ 15:27

Many people believe that water kills bacteria and cleans their food of dirt and diseases. From an early childhood, we are taught that we need to thoroughly wash our food before cooking and consuming it. Experts, however, have a different opinion on that matter. Some foods actually lose their benefits when they come in contact with water. What’s more, they can change their taste and texture, and what is even worse, harmful substances can spread everywhere in your kitchen and home! That is why it is super important to know which foods you should NEVER wash before cooking. This will not only protect you and your kitchen space from various diseases and contamination, but also enhance the nutritional benefits and taste of the foods you are cooking! So, let’s see, which are the foods you should never ever wash before cooking:

There are some foods that you should never wash before cooking

In this article
Foods You Should Never Wash Before Cooking
#Meat (Poultry, Red Meat) and Eggs
#Mushrooms
#Pasta
#Raw Fish
#Leafy Vegetables and Herbs
How to protect yourself from dangerous bacteria in the kitchen?
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Foods You Should Never Wash Before Cooking

#Meat (Poultry, Red Meat) and Eggs

Experts claim that washing poultry meat, eggs, pork, veal, and lamb can lead to an increase in the number of germs. This will also spread bacteria on the surface of your kitchen furniture and on the food products themselves. Animal products are thoroughly cleaned during processing and repeated washing increases the risk of the growth of harmful substances that cause salmonella, stomach issues, and a range of other diseases. What’s more, eggs have a protective film on the shell and if they are washed, bacteria from outside can penetrate them. Moreover, when treated with high temperatures, all kinds of bacteria will die. According to experts, it is good to boil the meat twice: once the water boils, change it and continue cooking the meat how you want to. For safety, you can add vinegar and lemon juice to the meat while it is cooking.

Eggs have a protective film on the shell and if they are washed, bacteria can penetrate

Repeated washing of animal products increases the risk of the growth of harmful bacteria

#Mushrooms

If you have purchased mushrooms from a store, then there is no need to wash them again. They will quickly lose their original appearance and familiar delicious taste. Mushrooms absorb water so well and therefore deteriorate quickly. Experts advise wiping them a little with a damp cloth, drying them with paper towels, and only then starting to cook with them.

Mushrooms will quickly lose their original appearance and familiar delicious taste

#Pasta

Pasta is rarely poisonous, but there is another reason you should never rinse it. Many people rinse their pasta after cooking it, which is a huge mistake if you want the greatest pasta experience possible. Rinsing the pasta will remove the starches, making it more difficult for sauces to adhere to it. If you want delicious silky pasta, then do not rinse it with water. What’s more, grains, such as rice or quinoa, should only be washed with water before cooking to achieve the desired taste and consistency.

Rinsing the pasta will remove the starches, making it less delicious

#Raw Fish

As with raw poultry and red meat, you should avoid washing raw fish to limit the danger of bacteria spreading around your kitchen. Instead, buy gutted and scaled fish from a trustworthy fishmonger. Wash your hands super thoroughly and make sure your kitchen surfaces are spotless and disinfected. These tips are your best bet for avoiding foodborne diseases and keeping everything sanitary and safe.

Always buy gutted and scaled fish from a trustworthy fishmonger

#Leafy Vegetables and Herbs

Washing leafy vegetables and herbs like dill, parsley, spinach, and others with water will increase the likelihood of bacteria entering our bodies. All leafy greens are treated with a mixture of water and disinfectants, such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorine, before being sent to stores and supermarkets. So, to limit the spread of pathogenic bacteria, just simply soak your leafy vegetables and greens in water just before using them. Make sure you are soaking only the amount you are going to eat immediately.

Soak your leafy vegetables and greens in water just before using them

Washing leafy vegetables and herbs with water will increase the likelihood of bacteria

How to protect yourself from dangerous bacteria in the kitchen?

To protect yourself from bacteria in the kitchen, just wash your hands in warm soapy water for 20 seconds or use a gentle hand sanitizer to avoid cuts before touching food. Disinfect all kitchen utensils, surfaces, and cutlery before placing food on them. Do not leave fruit, vegetables, spices, and other food items in the sink for long periods of time. This is the fastest place for bacteria to breed.

Disinfect all kitchen utensils, surfaces, and cutlery before placing food on them