In my last post, a lot of people commented that some folks are way too paranoid about washing fruit – like bananas or oranges (honestly, I’m still surprised by how a single sentence can spark a completely different discussion). I mean, you’re peeling them anyway, right? Plus, a little bacteria might actually help your immune system. Let’s take a closer look.
Everyone’s Touched It
Used to just grab an apple and take a bite? No second thought. It looked clean. One day, I saw a guy at the grocery store sneeze right into his hand, then pick up a peach, inspect it, and put it back. That was enough for me to change my mind and start digging into why washing fruit actually matters.
Ever thought about how many people have picked up that same orange before you? It’s been handled by farmers, packers, truck drivers, store employees, and other shoppers. That’s a lot of hands. And not all hands are clean.
Bacterias
Bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria love hanging out on the surface of fruit. You don’t have to be eating raw chicken to get food poisoning – that apple could mess up your stomach for days. Washing your fruit could actually save you from a miserable time spent regretting your life choices on the bathroom floor.
Dirt, Bugs, and Random Junk
If you’ve ever picked strawberries straight from the field, you know they can have tiny bugs and bits of dirt on them. But even the ones from the store can have little pebbles, dried-up leaves, and bugs – all things you don’t want in your mouth. And don’t even get me started on the wax coating they use on apples to make them look shinier.
Pesticides
Even organic fruit isn’t completely safe. Farmers use pesticides to keep insects away, and while organic ones are supposed to be safer, they’re still chemicals. These chemicals don’t just disappear once the fruit is picked – they cling to the surface, sometimes even seeping into the skin. Washing your fruit under running water can reduce a lot of the residue.
And it’s not just about pesticides used in farming. Some fruits are treated with preservatives and anti-mold sprays to extend their shelf life. These can linger on the surface and might not be something you want to ingest. A quick rinse isn’t just about washing off visible dirt – it’s about reducing exposure to substances you probably wouldn’t knowingly eat.
Cross-Contamination
Say you grab a melon and slice right into it without washing it first. Whatever was on the outside? It’s now on the inside. Bacteria can easily transfer from the surface of your fruit to your knife, spreading straight into the part you actually eat.
Rodent Excrement
Rodent excrement is quite dangerous – it can carry diseases like leptospirosis (which can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, and liver failure), hantavirus, salmonella, and LCMV. I know the chances are low, but I’d be happy to reduce them as much as possible. Rats and mice can crawl over fruit in storage or transport, leaving behind bacteria and viruses that you don’t want anywhere near your mouth. Even warehouse storage isn’t always rodent-proof, and contaminated fruit can end up on shelves without anyone noticing.
The Bottom Line
Washing fruit isn’t about being overly cautious – it’s just a simple way to avoid eating dirt, bacteria, or lingering chemicals that you don’t want in your body.
I hope that helps explain why I believe spending just 10 seconds to wash your fruit is worth it, even if it might seem like a waste of time. In most cases, skipping this step probably won’t cause immediate harm, but I’d rather trade those few seconds for peace of mind than deal with potential health issues later.