Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … was sharing in the preparation of a healthy meal, beginning with a thorough cleaning …

Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce …  was sharing in the preparation of a healthy meal, beginning with a thorough cleaning …  

Properly preparing fresh, uncooked produce … was sharing in the preparation of a healthy meal, beginning with a thorough cleaning … Photo Credit: Cade Martin

This African-American couple was sharing in the preparation of a healthy meal, beginning with a thorough cleaning of a number of produce items including onions, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Safely using a knife, both the man and woman were peeling an onion and sweet potato respectively. During such activities, when using shape instruments, injury prevention need be foremost in ones mind. Also, just as important, is the cleanliness of the food preparation environment, which is exemplified here by the clean cutting surface. Prior to cutting, these foods were first cleaned properly using soap and fresh running tap water, in order to remove any pesticides or unwanted chemicals from their surfaces. 

It is quite important to check public health-related websites including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, as well as those agencies in your immediate area for advisories indicating whether or not eating specific kinds of fruits and vegetables is safe. These sites, linked below, will also inform you as to the proper methods used in preparing various foods.