Washing fruits and veg

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  robotdad on 03/12/2012 - 23:14

  +2

  Never thought about that.

  The nuts would have been sterile (unless the tree was diseased) upon opening, which would mean they would be quite clean, barring any contaminants introduced at the processing stage.

  Washing probably does not make much difference unless you washed in bleach or detergent which would harm the food.

  Sometimes I think we try too hard to be clean (or OCD). Get a little dirty and live a little.

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  bigpallooka on 04/12/2012 - 11:04

  Here is a link that explains the benefits of soaking raw seeds and nuts and how to wash them afterwards.
  http://www.veghealthguide.com/nuts-seeds/

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    robotdad on 05/12/2012 - 07:01

    If you are going down the germination path, you are increasing your chances of food poisoning from otherwise inactive dry bacteria, happily multiplying during the long soak and fridge storage. While vinegar may help a little in terms of some bacteria, it won't do much for any toxins already produced or pathogenic bacteria that would normally survive your acidic stomach.

    Check out Health concerns - Bacterial infection or 'sproutbreaks'
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprouting

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      bigpallooka on 05/12/2012 - 11:28

      It's one of those damned if you do and damned if you don't things especially for those consuming raw food diets. Small quantities and correct procedures reduce any risk. I may have been a bit presumptuous in thinking this is what the OP was enquiring about however many people successfully eat this way without ill effect.

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  retiredfeline on 04/12/2012 - 11:13

  I scrub every almond with a disinfected toothbrush. Can't be too careful. ;)