Lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, and mandarins may look clean, but their peels can carry dirt, bacteria, pesticide residues, and food-grade wax coatings picked up during growing, harvesting, transport, and handling. Washing them properly is especially important if you plan to use the zest or peel in recipes.
Why You Should Wash Citrus
Even if you don’t eat the peel, bacteria or dirt on the outside can be transferred to the fruit’s flesh when you cut into it with a knife. If you’re zesting the fruit, anything on the peel ends up directly in your food.
Proper washing helps remove:
- Dirt and dust
- Surface bacteria
- Some pesticide residues
- Food-grade wax buildup
- Germs from handling during shipping and at the grocery store
