Key Takeaways

• Washing your produce doesn't eliminate all pathogens, but it can reduce the risk of foodborne illness. However, washing produce also introduces moisture, which comes with its own risks.
• In most cases, wait to wash fresh produce until just before you're ready to consume or cook it.
• Generally, you should wash produce after pantry or fridge storage but before freezer storage. Should you wash any produce before storing it, just make sure to thoroughly dry it.

Is It Better to Wash Produce Before or After Storing It?

Washing fruits and vegetables the right way prevents spoilage and bacteria

In a nutshell, it's better to wash produce right before you're going to consume or cook with it. This means you should wash it after storing it if you don't plan on using it immediately. But there may be some exceptions to note, such as in the case of freezing produce.

You Shouldn't Wash Produce Before Pantry or Fridge Storage

"Moisture is the issue," says Darin Detwiler, LP.D, an assistant teaching professor of food policy at Northeastern University. "Washing before storage introduces moisture, which can lead to mold, bacterial growth, and faster spoilage."

The answer is the same whether you plan on storing produce in the pantry (e.g. potatoes, onions, tomatoes, etc.) or the refrigerator (e.g. spinach, berries, squash, etc.): Don't wash it first. It may come as a surprise in the case of refrigeration, but excess moisture promotes bacterial growth and rot-even in cold environments-Dr. Detwiler explains. For example, listeria can survive in the fridge, he points out.

Unless You Thoroughly Dry It

Ironically, moisture is needed to remove impurities from fresh produce, but it also creates a host of new issues. Essentially, you don't want to put wet fruits and veggies in your pantry or fridge.

However, if storing unwashed produce doesn't sit well with you, Dr. Detwiler offers some sage advice: "If you rinse produce for any reason, be sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it." This helps reduce that bacteria-inviting moisture you definitely don't want sitting on your produce.

However, You Should Wash Produce Before Freezing It

There are many perks of buying frozen fruits and vegetables. They're typically cost-effective, picked at peak freshness, and pre-washed for you. But there may come a time when you have more fresh produce than you need, and you may choose to freeze it yourself.

If you plan on freezing fresh produce, the rules regarding washing it change a little. In this case, you should wash it first. "Washing fruits and vegetables before freezing is not only fine but often necessary," Dr. Detwiler explains. Here's why: Freezing stops the growth of bacteria but doesn't kill any bacteria that's already present.

Once again, if you wash produce before storing it, it's paramount that you thoroughly dry it. "Water left on the surface can create ice crystals, contribute to freezer burn, or yield a mushy texture when thawed," Dr. Detwiler adds. He recommends the following steps for freezing fresh produce:

1. Wash fresh produce.
2. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Freeze it in a single layer, such as on a baking sheet.
4. Transfer frozen produce to freezer-safe bags or food storage containers
5. Return to the freezer

Fruit and Veggie Washing 101 (and Special Considerations)

Concern over proper handling shouldn't stop you from buying and enjoying fresh produce. Here's a refresher on how to properly wash your fruits and vegetables, with a few caveats, according to Dr. Detwiler:

• Wash your hands first. Your hands carry germs, which you don't want to transfer to food.
• You don't need any special cleansers or sprays to wash your produce. Simply rinse under cold running water, giving it a good rub with your hands as you go.
• Dirt can get lodged into firm produce, such as potatoes or melons, so you may want to use a brush.
• To wash leafy green vegetables, swish them in a bowl with cold water, then wrap in paper towels to dry thoroughly.
• Take extra care to dry fresh herbs after washing them-they're prone to holding onto moisture. Should you wash them before refrigerating, thoroughly dry them and wrap in paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
• Often likened to sponges, mushrooms absorb water easily when rinsed. Use a mushroom brush to remove dirt and debris, and wipe clean with a damp paper towel.