How do you clean fruit from a tree?

The best way to clean fruit harvested from a tree involves a simple, five-step process to ensure it's safe to eat.

Steps for Cleaning Freshly Picked Fruit

Here's a detailed guide on how to clean fruit after picking it from a tree, incorporating safe food handling practices:

Wash Your Hands: Before handling any produce, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove germs, as outlined in the reference. This prevents contamination of the fruit.
Rinse Under Water: Place the fruit in a colander or hold it under running water to remove any loose dirt, debris, or insects. This initial rinse is crucial for eliminating surface contaminants.
Scrub Firm Produce: For fruits with a firm skin like apples, pears, or peaches, scrub the surface with a clean produce brush. This step helps to remove any remaining dirt or residues clinging to the skin as mentioned in the references.
Thoroughly Rinse: After scrubbing, rinse the fruit again thoroughly under running water to ensure all dirt and soap residue (if used) are removed.
Pat Dry: Finally, gently pat the fruit dry with a clean paper towel or cloth. This helps to remove excess moisture and prevent spoilage.

Cleaning freshly picked fruit is essential for several reasons:

Removes dirt and debris: Fruits picked from a tree may have dirt, leaves, or insects clinging to them.
Reduces bacteria: Cleaning helps to remove harmful bacteria that can cause illness.
Eliminates pesticide residue: If pesticides were used, washing can help to reduce residues on the fruit's surface.
Improves shelf life: Removing surface contaminants can prolong the freshness of the fruit.

Use cool or lukewarm water for rinsing.
Avoid using soap unless specifically designed for food cleaning, as it can leave behind residue.
If the fruit is very dirty, you can soak it in cool water for a few minutes before rinsing.
Always clean fruit immediately before eating or preparing it.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the fruit you picked from your tree is clean, safe, and ready to enjoy.