On Washing and Draining Foods

It is probably not essential to wash most fruits and vegetables, but it is a good habit to get into. Some vegetables don’t require washing, including onions and garlic, of course. Always use cold, clear running water.

The method of washing will depend on the fruit or vegetable. If there is a large quantity to be washed, place them all in the stoppered kitchen sink and add enough water to cover. Rinse and drain. Let common sense dictate whether to drain in a colander, sieve, or salad basket. Mushrooms and strawberries, for example, should be drained in a colander or sieve; salad greens in a salad basket. If feasible, salad greens should be shaken in the basket to extract as much of the moisture as possible.