Choosing and Washing Produce Essentials

Study Notes

Choosing and Storing Produce

Choose produce without bruises, mold, or damage.
Refrigerate pre-cut produce items after purchasing from the store.
Store perishable fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below.
Keep pre-cut produce in the refrigerator.

Washing Produce

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after handling produce.
Cut away damaged or bruised areas with a sharp paring knife.
Wash produce before peeling to prevent contamination.
Rinse produce under cool running water, gently rubbing it.
Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce like melons and winter squash.
Soak bumpy produce like cauliflower and broccoli in cold water for 1-2 minutes to remove contaminants.
Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel before using.

Salad Storage

Salad storage is crucial to prevent bacterial growth, contaminants, and infection.
Proper storage slows down deterioration, but does not improve quality.
Always follow FIFO (First In, First Out) for food storage.
Mark all stored food with an expiration date, date of receipt, and date of storage.
Green salads should be plated on cold plates to maintain freshness.
Avoid plating salads more than two hours before serving.
Garnish should be added at the time of serving to prevent wilting.
Refrigerate salads before serving.
Add dressing immediately before serving or provide it on the side to avoid wilting.
Salad should not be held for more than a few hours, as it will become limp.
Storage boxes should be kept at high humidity.

Safety and Hygienic Practices

Never add dressing to green salads before serving, it will cause them to wilt.
Green salads should be refrigerated until serving.
Ensure all food handling practices are hygienic to avoid contamination.

Description

Test your knowledge on how to select, store, and wash produce safely. This quiz covers essential practices for keeping fruits and vegetables free from contamination. Ensure you know the best methods for handling and cleaning your produce effectively.