Have you ever thought by just giving your fruit and vegetables a quick rinse is enough when it comes to food safety?

Well to begin with, washing fruit and vegetables before consumption with water is a great first step in food safety practice. Just think how many hands have already touched the fruit and vegetables in your shopping basket.....eeeewww. If that isn't enough, here are four key reasons why it's important:

1. To reduce bacteria that can cause food poisoning, including E. coli, salmonella and listeria

2. To wash away any creepy crawlies such as slugs, caterpillars and worms

3. To remove that sandy grit and soil that can be caught in the stems or florets of vegetables such as leeks and broccoli.

4. To remove stubborn food-grade waxes on fresh fruit such as apples and lemons

So is rinsing enough? 

The act of simply rinsing may remove some contaminants, but as bacteria adheres to surfaces, a good rub or brush really increases the effectiveness. 

Is using a dedicated Fruit & Vegetable Wash necessary?

The short answer is no, BUT, there are a few benefits & reasons why we think it's a great idea:

1. Washing beyond the ordinary rinse under water is particularly important for produce that falls under the Dirty Dozen, a list of fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated by pesticides. The Dirty Dozen comprises strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and capsicums. A Fruit & Vegetable Wash will work harder than water to remove these pesticides. 

2. Water is often not sufficient to dissolve waxes and eliminate all traces of fertilisers, mould spores, and the effects of human handling. Washing with a dedicated Fruit & Vegetable Wash ensures you’re consuming produce in its natural state

3. If you’re accustomed to consuming your produce without the waxes, residue, and pesticides removed, you’ll likely find using a Fruit & Vegetable Wash makes your fruits and vegetables taste far better!

4. To save time (and product!), wash your produce with a Fruit & Vegetable Wash in bulk, then drying, and storing for use later. Once washed thoroughly, a quick rinse prior to use will suffice. 

The 100% natural Australian made Koala Eco Fruit & Vege Wash is featured in our Autumn Discovery Box. Just one of the 9 products this season our foodies discovered in their mystery box!

 You can also read our 'Meet The Locals' interview with Koala Eco co-founders Husband and wife duo Jessica & Paul here.

*References from Koala Eco website