What foods should not be washed before cooking – an expert explains

Most people are used to the fact that after purchasing products in a store, some of them must be washed. And if they are sold already clean, it is very convenient. Such judgments are justified, because no one knows where the food could have been before it hit the shelf in the supermarket. But some foods should not be bought already peeled, as well as those that do not need to be washed before cooking at all.

Today, FoodOboz editorial team will tell you what can be harmful about peeled products from the store. Nutritionist  Anna Antonova wrote about this on her Instagram page.

The expert notes that products in stores are cleaned with a variety of aggressive synthetic solutions. This gives the food a marketable appearance and prevents it from spoiling quickly. However such substances can cause serious harm to the body. This is especially true for vegetables with a high starch content because they absorb everything like a sponge. These include potatoes, radishes, beets, carrots, turnips, celery, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic. It's better to clean these products at home – it's much more economical and safe.

What not to wash before cooking

Poultry 

If this product is from the store, it contains some harmful substances. Therefore, it is better to boil it immediately to avoid the spread of bacteria and unpleasant odors.

Pork, beef, lamb, and veal

The same applies to these meats, but they need to be cooked more thoroughly, even several times.

Eggs

If you wash eggs thoroughly, you can damage their top protective layer. This can spread bacteria on the sink, dishes, and other food.

Mushrooms

It is better to simply wipe this product with a sponge and cut off any damage or excess dirt. This is because mushrooms are very sensitive and absorb all the not-so-healthy substances that may be in running water.

Fish

Rinsing fish can also provoke the spread of bacteria, so it should be cooked immediately after purchase. Seafood, such as mussels, oysters, and scallops, should be cleaned of sand with water.