Some say YES to avoid adding sodium or unwanted ingredients. Others say NO, because rinsing may actually lead to more contamination. So what is the correct answer? Read on to find out!
Canned foods are among the express meals that we will be able to eat without hassle. But whether or not to rinse canned foods before cooking is a matter of debate. Some claim that rinsing cans removes any potential contaminants. However, others reveal that rinsing cans can actually increase the risk of contamination by introducing new bacteria to the food. The best way to reduce the risk of contamination is to cook canned foods thoroughly, whether or not they are rinsed first. However, if you choose to rinse canned goods before cooking, be sure to use clean, potable water and cook the food immediately followingwards to minimize the risk of contamination.
Canned foods that should always be washed.
Vegetables and legumes:
Washing canned vegetables before consumption is often overlooked, but it’s an important step for several reasons. First, it reduces the amount of brine, or pickling liquid, left on the food. This liquid not only extends the shelf life of food, it also often contains a large amount of salt. For people with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, washing canned vegetables beforehand can help desalinate them and make them healthier. Additionally, taking the time to wash these foods down can also aid digestion and prevent bloating.
This is especially true for legumes such as peas, corn, chickpeas or beans, which are made up of complex carbohydrates and sugars that can slow down the digestion process. Ultimately, washing canned vegetables may take an extra step, but it’s a worthwhile habit to adopt.
Fruit:
Canned fruit is often considered a less healthy option than fresh or frozen fruit. While it is true that the canning process can reduce their nutritional value, canned fruits still have some health benefits over other forms of fruit. For example, canned fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals. As an easy way to add fruit to your diet.
Fresh or frozen fruit is more expensive than canned fruit, and it can be hard to find in stores. Canned fruits are a convenient and affordable option that can help you meet your recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. When choosing canned fruits, look for those preserved in juice or water, as they generally contain less sugar than those preserved in syrup. Be sure to rinse fruit with tap water before eating to remove any added sugar or preservatives.
Canned foods to be consumed without rinsing.
Raw chicken (and other raw meats):
Despite what many think, washing raw chicken does not clean it. In fact, rinsing raw chicken can spread more harmful bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter in the kitchen. What can make you sick. The only way to eliminate these pathogens is to consider a cooking method that requires a high temperature such as baking or steaming.
Poisson :
Avoid washing raw fish, as this does not clean the fish. On the contrary, it increases the risk of cross-contamination with other foods, utensils and surfaces.
Seafood :
Seafood such as canned squid and prawns generally have fewer contaminants. This allows you to enjoy it immediately without worrying regarding rinsing.
How to successfully detect a canned food to be rinsed or eaten as it is?
To be sure whether the contents of the can in your hands need to be washed or not, it is enough to examine it closely.
- Check the expiration date on the box to make sure it’s still good.
- Inspect the exterior of the box for dents, rust, or other damage.
- If the box is damaged, do not use it.
- Then open the box and smell its contents. If the food smells bad, it is probably spoiled and should not be eaten.
- Finally, look at the food itself. If it looks moldy or unappetizing, it’s probably best not to eat it. If everything looks and smells good, go ahead and enjoy your preserves!