A key part of food preparation is rinsing certain items before you start cooking with them. You are probably used to rinsing vegetables, to name but a few. However, do you know which foods you should always rinse, and which don’t? Well, we’re about to tell you!
You may not think that fresh herbs need to be washed, especially when they come in a pristine plastic package. However, herbs are usually full of dirt and should always be rinsed before use, even if you pick them directly from your garden. Simply run them under cold water before patting them dry with a paper towel.
Surprisingly, you should always rinse rice before cooking it. Rinsing the rice will remove surface starch and bacteria from the individual grains, which lessens the chances of getting sick and makes the rice taste more flavorful. Simply rinse uncooked rice under cool water before draining it.
Another thing you should always rinse? Shellfish. You should always rinse your shells under cold water before dipping them in a bowl of cold water with a little salt. Shells tend to get sand and dirt on them, and you certainly don’t want that stuff in your dinner.
Let’s move on to foods that don’t usually need to be rinsed. Lettuce and pre-washed greens do not need to be rinsed. Mushrooms should not be rinsed as they can become soft and soggy. Eggs do not need to be rinsed as the shell serves as a protective layer. Chicken should not be rinsed as it can spread bacteria to various surfaces in your kitchen, increasing the risk of salmonella and food poisoning.
Now that you know these simple tips, you’ll be able to save time in the kitchen and make your cooking creations as delicious as possible!
