Many homemakers believe that salt has antiseptic properties, and therefore soaking vegetables before cooking will help kill bacteria and remove toxins. However, salt only inhibits microorganisms at high concentrations. Household diluted salt water typically has a low concentration, so its antibacterial capability is limited. Soaking vegetables in this solution does not significantly reduce bacteria compared to washing with clean tap water.

Furthermore, salt water has no effect on pesticide residues. Most of these chemicals adhere tightly to the surface or lightly penetrate the leaf's epidermis and are not soluble in salt water. Therefore, expecting salt water soaking to "detoxify" vegetables is a misconception.

In fact, the habit of soaking vegetables for too long in salt water can have an adverse effect. Due to osmosis, water from the vegetable cells will be drawn out, causing leaves to wilt quickly and lose crispness. Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B are also easily lost.

Safe and effective ways to wash vegetables

According to experts, the most important rule for cleaning vegetables is the washing action itself, not the soaking solution.

First, remove old or bruised leaves. Use a large basin of water for the initial wash, allowing soil and sand to settle at the bottom. Then, change the water and rinse one to two more times. For raw vegetables, such as lettuce and herbs, separate each leaf and rinse under moderately running water. The continuous flow of water effectively washes away dirt, microorganisms, and parasite eggs from the surface better than any soaking solution.

In some cases, diluted salt water can still provide supportive benefits. The osmotic pressure of salt can make it easier to dislodge some small insects and larvae clinging to leaves. If desired, you should only soak briefly for a few minutes before rinsing again with clean water.

Additionally, diluted vinegar is an alternative option. Due to its mild acidity, soaking vegetables in vinegar water for a few minutes helps reduce some microorganisms on the surface. However, this is merely a supplementary step and cannot replace thorough rinsing under running water.

Bui Thuy