Before cooking fresh produce, what is the proper prep?

• A. Wipe with a dry cloth only
• B. Rinse under cool running water and scrub if needed; dry with a clean towel
• C. Soak in hot water for 10 minutes
• D. Remove skin with peeler

Answer: (B)

Before cooking fresh produce, the important idea is to remove dirt and microbes from the surface so what you cook is safe to eat. Rinsing under cool running water and scrubbing as needed cleans off dirt from surfaces without starting to cook the produce or harming its texture. Drying with a clean towel afterward removes remaining moisture, which helps prevent mold and makes it easier to handle for chopping or cooking. Wiping with a dry cloth only leaves some dirt behind, soaking in hot water can affect texture and nutrients, and removing the skin isn’t necessary for every item once it’s washed. This wash-and-scrub, then dry method works well for most fresh produce before cooking.