Why is it important to wash fruits and vegetables before consumption?

Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption is crucial primarily to remove contaminants and pesticides that may be present on their surfaces. These contaminants can include dirt, bacteria, and residual chemicals from agricultural practices. Even if produce looks clean, residues from pesticides or fertilizers may still remain, posing potential health risks when ingested.

While flavor enhancement, spoilage prevention, and increasing nutritional value are important topics in food handling and preparation, they do not directly relate to the primary reason for washing produce. For instance, washing can help maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables, but it doesn’t necessarily stop spoilage, nor does it alter nutritional value significantly. Enhancing flavor is typically achieved through cooking or seasoning, not washing. Thus, the most critical reason remains the removal of harmful substances to ensure safety and health.