How to wash a pumpkin
how to wash a pumpkin
Pumpkin season is here! Now is the perfect time to prepare your kitchen for the annual onslaught of pumpkin carving, meringue kisses, and gingerbread men. While it is certainly wonderful to indulge your sweet tooth, preparing and eating an entire pumpkin is not for the faint-hearted. There is plenty of science behind why washing your food is important, so let’s examine the process.
Wash Your Food Before You Eat It!
When you are presented with a beautiful piece of meat or seafood, your mind may immediately go to the numerous ways in which you can prepare it. Some recipes may even suggest specific cooking methods or appliances which you should use. Unfortunately, the way a food is produced and distributed means that it is usually already prepped and cooked when it arrives at the table. Cleaning and prepping food before you serve it guarantees that you are providing your body with nutrients at the time of consumption. Even when cooked at home, many foods are served raw or undercooked, which can lead to health risks. When possible, always opt for fresh, uncooked food that has been prepared by you or someone you know.
Use Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards, also known as plastic mini-chefs, are the perfect solution for someone who is seeking an easy way to prepare food. They are lightweight, durable, and highly portable, and so are great for using outside the home. Plastic cutting boards come with a non-stick surface that makes it easy to wipe clean after use. Some types of plastic, such as polystyrene, also provide insulation against extreme heat or cold, making them ideal for use in the freezer or the refrigerator. Always wrap a plastic cutting board in a towel before you put it in the freezer or refrigerator, as this will prevent any food particles from freezing and harming your board. In addition, if your food prep area is at all crowded, using the right cutting tools can ensure clean cuts every time you prepare food.
Wash Your Hands After Preparing Food
Whether you are preparing food at home or eating out at a restaurant, it is essential to wash your hands after preparing food. Although you may not think that you need to wash your hands after each bite, the amount of bacteria that you are ingesting on a regular basis makes this approach unwise. After using the bathroom, touch your fingertips to any surface to ensure that your hands are clean. This is also a great way to prevent the spread of germs at the table (fingers are a common source of germs. So, if you go to the bathroom before you eat, wash your hands after you come back from bathroom.) Furthermore, if you prepare food at home, there is always the possibility that the food could become wet or covered in oil, so make sure you wash your hands after preparation.
Restaurant Style Handwashing
If you eat out frequently, you may be accustomed to the practice of washing your hands at the table. However, unless the restaurant specifically requests that you wash your hands, it is not always the practice of cleaning your hands after dining out. If you go to a restaurant that serves raw fish, for example, you may find that the servers don’t bother with hand hygiene because the food is cooked for you at the table and there is thus no risk of cross-contamination. Always use your hands for food preparation, especially when eating out. If a restaurant allows it, wipe down your table and the surrounding area with a clean cloth after you eat to keep everything sanitized.
Use A Brushing Machine
After you prepare your food, whether you eat it at home or take it out, it is essential to use a brusher to clean the surfaces you have touched. A brusher is an electrical appliance that can help clean your kitchen surfaces by gently rubbing them with a sponge or cloth. You can find brushers at home appliance stores for those who would like to try them out, or you can use a handheld electric brush on your kitchen surfaces on a regular basis. Wiping down your kitchen surfaces with a clean cloth after every meal will also help keep them looking brand-new.
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Good Scrub
To avoid bacteria, it is important to clean your kitchen surfaces with hot, soapy water and scrub them with your hands or a sponge. A good scrub can remove years of grime, making your kitchen look as good as new. When you are pulling off those stylish kitchen stripes, the last thing you need is an unsightly, sticky residue left over on your tiles. So, make sure you scrub your tiles and your walls with a baking sheet to ensure that they are completely clean before applying any paint or wallpaper.
Always Keep Your Kitchen Clean
You don’t need fancy tools or gadgets to keep your kitchen clean. All you need is a good pair of hands and some napkins, and voila! You have already achieved the perfect balance of form and function in your cooking space.