Editor:
I have noticed that both family and public kitchen help all seem to presume that if strawberries come in a clear plastic clamshell that the fruit is ready to eat. It is not! Read the fine print: “Rinse before eating,” or some such admonishment.
My uncle in central California raised oranges, grapefruit, peaches, grapes… all wonderful stuff. When he gave us some to take home after a visit, he always reminded us to be sure and wash it thoroughly; “You don’t want to eat what we spray on it!” When it is packaged for sale in stores, it may have been rinsed… with a preservative.
Therefore, wash an orange or grapefruit or melon before you slice it; wash those berries and cherries you bought at the store, or even farmer’s market. You don’t want to eat what was sprayed on it. Check the package: if it says ready to eat, such as baby carrots, that’s fine. Be safe; it takes only a moment to wet and rub and rinse!
Joan Scofield
Sweet Hom