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In my research, as well as in talking with a food safety, nutrition and family well-being scientist, it seems as if soaking and finishing up with a rinse is the preferred method. Due to the amount of pesticides used to treat our food, it is advisable to change the water if washing large amounts of produce. Although you might not want to nourish your garden with water that may contain pesticides, you can always use leftover water from the set to rinse out your recyclables. For those who believe that rinsing is the best method for cleaning produce, you can still use the set. Simply hold the colander over the bowl while washing your fruits and vegetables. Water collects in the bowl where it can be reused.
What if I buy organic produce, do I still have to change the water? If you know the farm you’re purchasing produce from and are convinced the food is 100% organic, logic tells you should be able to reuse the water. Err on the side of caution though, if you aren’t sure about the farm change the water when washing fruits and vegetables. The nutrients that remain in the water after washing your organic produce can certainly be used to water outdoor or household plants. Please consult www.foodnews.org for a complete list of “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce”.
What's wrong with using a colander, bowl or my sink to wash produce? Bowls - A bowl is one way some people use to conserve water. The disadvantage of using a bowl is that there is no way to drain the produce. The food may become soggy as it sits in the water. Bowls really aren't an efficient water-saving method. Sink - The major disadvantage to using your sink for washing produce is the risk of cross-contamination. What if you didn't properly clean your sink after having rinsed raw chicken or fish? You won't have to worry about cross-contamination when using the colander/bowl set. How much will the colander/bowl set cost? Where can I buy it? How much water does the colander/bowl set save? Traditional Method of Washing Produce
Colander/Bowl Set
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