Whether you like them tart or sweet, crisp or soft, apples are a staple. Depending on the variety, the almighty apple can be baked into pies, tossed in salads, and enjoyed as is for a snack. But before you peel and cut the fruit, it’s important to wash it first due to potential contaminants. Our guide explains how to wash apples the right way, plus how to reduce wax and pesticide residue on the surface. Plus, find out if you still need to wash apples even if you plan to peel them.
Why You Need to Wash Apples
Although it’s easy to enjoy an apple straight from the fruit bowl without peeling or cutting—it’s best to wash it first. Doing so will help clean the skin, which can harbor pesticide residues and illness-causing bacteria.
After all, apples are often exposed to pesticides and animals while growing in the orchard, says Shannon Stover, MS, RD, food safety educator at Michigan State University Extension. They might also be handled by dirty hands during harvesting, transportation, and storage. Not to mention, both employees and customers can easily touch apples at the grocery store, potentially exposing the fruits to even more germs.
Should You Still Wash Apples Before Peeling?
Even if you plan to peel an apple, it’s still recommended to wash it, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The reason? If there are harmful bacteria on the apple’s skin, a peeler or knife can transfer the bacteria to the flesh, explains Stover.
How to Wash Apples
Before washing apples, take a few seconds to visually inspect them, says Keiry Palma, chef instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. This will give you a chance to remove any visible dirt and debris. From there, use one of the following methods to wash the much loved fruit.
How to Wash One or Two Apples
If you need to wash one or two apples, the simplest way is under running water:
- Hold the apple under cool running water for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Rub the peel with your fingers.
- Pat the apple dry using a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
How to Wash More Apples
When washing multiple apples, the process is basically the same as for one apple, but we suggest you use a clean colander. The best version is one with a base or feet; this will keep the fruit away from the sink, which can reintroduce bacteria. Follow these steps:
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How to Wash Apples With Baking Soda
- Place the apples in a colander.
- Hold the colander under cool running water, exposing each apple for at least 10 to 20 seconds.
- Rub the skin of each apple with your fingers.
- Pat the apples dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
We generally wash apples with water but there is evidence that soaking apples in a baking soda solution can help remove pesticide residues on the surface. In fact, in a study in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that the method is more effective than using tap water alone—though it won’t get rid of pesticide residue that has entered the porous peel of the apple.
To reduce pesticides on the surface of apples, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends these steps:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups clean water and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- Add the apples and soak for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Dry the apples with a clean cloth or paper towel.
When Should You Wash Apples?
To ensure your apples stay fresh as long as possible, avoid washing them before storing. Wait to wash them just before eating or using. “If you wash the apples prior to storage, you may be promoting bacterial growth, [which can] speed up spoilage,” says Stover.
Apples, as well as other produce, have microscopic pores called lenticels, explains Palma. “Lenticels allow oxygen into the fruit, while simultaneously releasing carbon dioxide and water,” she says. If apples are washed too soon (and not dried properly), water can enter the lenticels, promoting the growth of mold and bacteria. Thus, waiting to wash apples will help extend their shelf-life.
Tips to Make Washing Apples More Effective
Wash Your Hands Before Handling Apples: Before washing apples, wash your hands to eliminate the addition of any bacteria that may transfer onto your fruit, says Palma. Even if your hands look clean, they can still be contaminated with harmful bacteria. The FDA recommends washing your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap.
Use a Produce Brush: Firm fruits like apples can be scrubbed with a produce brush. This will provide a more thorough clean, as the brush can help remove dirt and bacteria in the fruit’s nooks and crannies, says Palma. “Additionally, apples may be covered in a layer of wax that preserves the freshness and shelf-life of the fruit, [so] a brush may help remove this,” explains Palma.
Here’s how to clean an apple using a produce brush:
- Dampen the brush and apple.
- Use the brush to gently scrub the apple’s skin, paying attention to areas with visible dirt.
- Run the apple under cool water to remove any excess debris, dirt, or wax dislodged by the brush.
Note that a produce brush should be used with cool running water, not as a replacement, says Palma. It’s also important to regularly wash the brush with hot, soapy water to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Avoid Produce Washes and Soap: Skip commercial produce washes, as the safety and effectiveness of these products have not been tested, according to the FDA. Likewise, avoid using soap and household detergents, as they’re not meant to clean fruits and vegetables. As produce is porous, it can absorb chemicals in soap and detergent, potentially causing sickness.
Use Clean Equipment: When preparing a washed apple, always use a clean peeler, knife, cutting board, and apple corer, says Stover. This will prevent the reintroduction of contaminants and bacteria. Additionally, use a cutting board that’s designated for fresh produce. Avoid cutting boards that have been used for raw meat, as they may transfer harmful germs to the apples.
Use Clean Towels: Similarly, washed apples should only be dried with clean cloths or paper towels. Never use kitchen towels that have been used to dry hands, dishes, or countertops, as this can pose a food safety risk.
