While frozen fruits and vegetables tend to save us more time in the kitchen - no chopping required - before freezing, vegetables are washed with water. However, most people do not wash frozen products before using them, which is fine if they are being cooked at a high temperature. But for al dente vegetables, they should be washed thoroughly to get rid of the dirt and bacteria.
2. Rice
Rice, particularly long grain rice, should be rinsed 3 to 4 times before cooking. The main danger lies not in the dust but in the starch covering rice. The starch is what causes the rice to clump together, making it look unappetizing. Other starchy grains like corn or wheat grains should be rinsed until the water runs clear.
All seafood in shells, including mussels and oysters, should be thoroughly rinsed - even if you buy the frozen packet, as they are full of sand and grit.
4. Milk and dairy products
The packaging of milk, yogurt, and other liquids should all be washed before opening. Thousands of customers touch these items, pick them up and read the information on the labels. As soon as we open a bottle, the bacteria from people who have previously handled the container can easily be passed on.
Unless you are going to eat fish raw, there is no need to wash it as high temperatures all bacteria. Furthermore, if you rinse raw fish, there is a risk of spreading the bacteria all around your kitchen. Bear in mind that after handling the fish, you should wash your hands, the cutting board and the knife.
6. Cabbage
Cabbage must be washed thoroughly no matter what type of cabbage it is. Cauliflower, which comes from the same family as the cabbage should be cleaned well, in all its nooks. To cook red or white cabbage, remove the upper two layers as they tend to hide dirt and dust. To get rid of bugs and bacteria put the cabbage in the sink and fill with water, adding some vinegar and leave for a couple of minutes. Then rinse with clean water.
Don't gulp a can of soda without washing it or wiping it down first. Cans travel in dusty trucks and are handled by many people. In fact, it's all the better if you pour the contents from the can into a glass.
8. Lettuce
Greens are extremely tasty and healthy. But when preparing lettuce, don't forget to rinse it first. To get rid of sand or dirt in the leaves, you need to tear the lettuce and leave it to soak in cold water for a couple of minutes. Once you take the lettuce out, place in a colander or on a clean kitchen towel and let it dry.
