When it comes to cooking, we all want to make sure that we are preparing our food properly to ensure that it is safe to eat. One of the things that many people do is wash their fruits and vegetables before cooking them.

However, it turns out that washing some foods before cooking them can actually be harmful. Here are some foods that you should avoid washing before cooking, and why.

Poultry

Raw poultry can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, that can make you very sick. It’s important to handle and prepare poultry properly to avoid spreading these bacteria.

One common misconception is that you should wash poultry before cooking it to reduce the risk of contamination. However, washing the chicken actually increases the risk of spreading bacteria.

When you wash chicken, you can inadvertently splatter the bacteria all over your kitchen, including your countertops, dishes, and utensils, which can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of illness.

Fish

Raw fish is another food that you should avoid washing before cooking. Like poultry, fish can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. When you wash fish, you can also accidentally spread this bacteria around your kitchen.

Additionally, washing fish can make it more difficult to cook properly and can lead to a loss of flavor.

Mushrooms

Many people will rinse mushrooms before cooking them to remove any dirt or debris. However, doing so can actually make them slimy and reduce their flavor. Instead, you can use a damp paper towel or a soft brush to clean mushrooms if necessary.

Bagged Salad

Bagged salad is a convenient way to get your daily dose of greens, but it’s important to be careful when handling it. Many bagged salads have been pre-washed, so there’s no need to wash them again.

Additionally, washing bagged salad can actually make it more likely to spoil. The excess moisture can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, so it’s important to consume bagged salads soon after purchase and to store them properly in the refrigerator.

Potatoes

Many people will rinse potatoes before cooking them to remove any dirt or debris. However, doing so can actually remove some of the starches that make them crispy and delicious.

Instead, you can use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

Eggs

Another misconception is that you should wash eggs before cracking them open. However, doing so can actually increase the risk of contamination. Eggshells are porous, and washing them can introduce bacteria into the egg itself.

Additionally, washing eggs can remove the protective coating that helps to keep them fresh.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as carrots and turnips, should also be avoided when it comes to washing before cooking. They are often covered in a layer of dirt, but washing them can remove some of the flavor and nutrients.

Instead, you can use a soft brush or a cloth to remove any visible dirt before cooking.

Meat

While it’s important to handle meat properly to avoid spreading bacteria, washing meat before cooking it is not recommended. Like chicken and fish, washing meat can actually increase the risk of spreading bacteria around your kitchen.

Additionally, washing meat can make it more difficult to cook properly and can lead to a loss of flavor.

Canned Beans

Canned beans are already cooked, so there’s no need to rinse them before using them in a recipe. In fact, rinsing canned beans can actually remove some of the nutrients and flavor.

Instead, you can drain the liquid from the can and use the beans as-is.

Cooking Greens

Cooking greens, such as kale and collard greens, should also be avoided when it comes to washing before cooking. Like root vegetables, they can be difficult to clean without removing some of the flavor and nutrients.

Instead, you can use a soft brush or a cloth to remove any visible dirt before cooking.