The best way to wash tomatoes before you eat them

Even if a tomato appears clean, it can be covered with bacteria.

Tomatoes are a delicious addition to nearly any meal, particularly at their peak of freshness. Whether you plan to make a classic Southern tomato sandwich, a savory galette, or even a fresh tomato vinaigrette, making sure your tomatoes are properly washed is an important first step.

According to the FDA, approximately 48 million people get sick from contaminated food each year.

“In recent years, the United States has had several large outbreaks of illness caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables—including spinach, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and lettuce,” the FDA states on their website.

How To Wash Tomatoes—And Why It Matters

In order to be as cautious as possible, it’s important to wash your tomatoes, even if they look clean.

Tomatoes should be washed with cool tap water before eating, according to the USDA, and soap, detergent, or vegetable washes should not be used.

“Gently rub tomatoes under cold running water to wash away any dirt or germs before cooking, cutting, or eating them. Skip the special produce washes or anything other than water as tomatoes can absorb them,” registered dietitian Chelsea Edwards, owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in northern Alabama, tells Southern Living.

Edwards also notes that washing tomatoes is important even if you plan to peel them. Dirt and bacteria on the skin can transfer to the flesh when the tomato is cut or peeled.

Additionally, the FDA says that some types of tomatoes are “placed in a dump tank containing a sanitizer after they are harvested,” but certain types of bacteria can survive.

“Bacteria that survive this treatment are usually around the stem end. Always cut away the stem end of the tomato with a clean knife before slicing or chopping for eating raw,” the agency says.

If tomatoes have holes, they should not be eaten and thrown away entirely.

“Discard vegetables that have holes or that are bruised or damaged. Microbes can hide or invade the rest of the fruit from the damaged areas,” the USDA says.

How To Keep Tomatoes Fresher Longer

To keep tomatoes fresh for as long as possible, Edwards recommends storing whole tomatoes on the countertop, out of direct sunlight, rather than in the refrigerator. Placing tomatoes stem-side down can also help preserve their freshness. She also suggests keeping tomatoes away from bananas and avocados, as the ethylene gas those fruits produce can cause tomatoes to ripen more quickly.

If a tomato develops mold, begins to ooze, has a foul smell, or becomes excessively soft, Edwards says it has likely spoiled and should be thrown away.

Read the original article on Southern Living