By reflex, many pass their food underwater before consuming them, convinced to eliminate microbes and impurities. However, some products should never be rinsed, otherwise the risk of contamination or altering their quality. Alexandra Murcier, dietitian-nutritionist, explains why five current foods should not be washed.
Eggs
Washing the eggs is to be avoided, as it destroys their protective cuticle. “”The shell is porous and by washing them, you transfer the bacteria to the interior“, Prevents Alexandra Murcier. This thin natural barrier prevents germs, like salmonella, from entering the egg.
Poultry
For poultry, the USDA recalls that “Research has shown that washing or rinsing poultry or meat increases the risk of cross -contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foods of food of food“. The expert confirms:”It has no interest in washing the meat, especially since it is cooked afterwards“. Water splashes can project bacteria on the worktop, utensils and other foods.
Raw fish
The raw fish is no exception to the rule. “”There is no interest in washing the fish before cooking it“, Underlines Alexandra Murcier. As for poultry, rinsing does not destroy bacteria but disperses in the kitchen.
Seafood
Sea fruits should not pass under tap water, because their rinsing in the sink promotes the dispersion of bacteria on surfaces. This contact can then contaminate other foods ready to be consumed.
The pasta
Some people think that you have to rinse the pasta to remove starch, but the latter allows sauces to join. Rinse them amounts to altering their texture and reducing the quality of the final dish. Starch acts indeed an essential role in binding the sauce and giving better consistency to the dish.