What should you do to ensure the safety of fruits and vegetables before consuming them?

Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly is essential in reducing the presence of harmful bacteria, pesticides, and dirt that may be on their surfaces. This practice removes contaminants and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses when consuming raw produce. Water alone is often sufficient for this process, and for items with a thicker skin, using a brush can further help remove residues. Thorough washing is recognized as one of the fundamental steps in food safety, ensuring that the food you consume is as clean and safe as possible.

Soaking in vinegar may help in some instances, but it is not as universally effective as thorough washing for all types of produce. Leaving fruits and vegetables unwashed can pose significant health risks and is not advisable. Peeling can remove some contaminants but does not address those that are present on the surface of the skin and can still be transferred to the flesh. Therefore, thorough washing stands out as the most effective precaution before consuming fruits and vegetables.