Leftover Cut Raw Vegetables: How To Use Them Safely?

Avoid cross contamination of food, especially with meat and eggs

Are you under the habit of using leftover cut vegetables? The answer is most likely to be affirmative. The very idea of avoiding food wastage makes many people use leftover cut vegetables, especially the basic ones like onion and tomato. This practice however, can harm your health. Fitness and nutrition expert Simran Khosla took to Instagram to talk about how leftover cut raw vegetables can turn poisonous, and thus we should avoid using them for cooking or for salads.

In her post, Simran writes that bacteria spreads to food through contact and even air. This usually occurs when you pick vegetables from your hands. Bacteria from your hands (especially if you have not washed hands before picking them) can transfer to the surface of vegetables. Furthermore, bacteria can transfer to vegetables through storage containers or fridge shelves and even from the knife.

Also read: Weight Loss And Other Amazing Benefits Of Vegetable Broth

The right method of food storage and how to use leftover raw veggies safely

Make sure you buy fresh, raw and intact vegetables from the vegetable vendor or supermarket. Vegetables should not have soft spots, they should be intact and should not be discoloured from certain areas. Handle the vegetables gently on your way home.

Make sure you store food cleanly and hygienically
Photo Credit: iStock

Wash all your vegetables thoroughly before storing them. Store them in a cool and dry location or in the refrigerator. Clean the refrigerator regularly: twice a week or at least once a week.

Also read: Vegetarians, Here Are 5 Sources Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids You Must Include In Your Diet

Avoid cross contamination of food. Fruits and vegetables which should not be stored in fridge include bananas, limes, lemon, onion, garlic, and potatoes.

Apart from these, nearly all vegetables and fruits can be stored in the fridge. Be careful about cross contamination of food, especially with raw meats and eggs, stresses Simran. Meats should be stored in sealed containers to prevent loss of moisture, and should be used within two to three days.

Also read: Including These Common Vegetables In Your Diet May Ward Off Colon Cancer Risk

In case the leftovers look mushy or have a cloudy fluid around them, or if they feel slimy and have an odour, it is better to throw them as they are no more safe for consumption.

Make sure you do not consume leftover cut raw onion. It is usually attacked by harmful bacteria and is not safe for consumption. Even when you are eating out, ask for freshly cut salads and onions.

(Simran Khosla is nutritionist and fitness expert, Butt Like An Apricot)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.