COVID-19: Grocery Shopping and Take Out Food

@johnbishop
Thanks, John. I saw that "Share" but didn't know how it could be used. Once again you saved the day for those of us who are not high-techs!

Mayofeb, I've purchased my last fresh veggies and fruits for awhile. Absolutely just an oldie and no expert but I did wash/soak everything first in lukewarm, Dawn detergent water; rinsed in cool water; let it dry before storing. I am cooking fresh veggies and fruits just as a precaution hoping the cooking heat will further kill bacteria.

Mayofeb, I've purchased my last fresh veggies and fruits for awhile. Absolutely just an oldie and no expert but I did wash/soak everything first in lukewarm, Dawn detergent water; rinsed in cool water; let it dry before storing. I am cooking fresh veggies and fruits just as a precaution hoping the cooking heat will further kill bacteria.

My question is how to handle fresh produce. My daughter is sending me fresh veggies directly from local farmers. I'm going to have cauliflower, kale, bok choy, apples, oranges, and spinach. If they are not packed wrapped in plastic, do I have to wash them with soap and hot water? Would this ruin the veggies?

@feisty76 Heat kills Covid-19, so cooking any produce to at least 160F makes it safe. I think your practice of washing all produce is a good one - if you use soap, water (any temp) and friction (as in handwashing) on hard-skinned fruits - oranges, apples, bananas, etc it is safe to handle and eat. Still looking around for definitive answers on soft fruits and fresh greens - we have taken them off the menu for now. Our produce stands are open here (basically one-person, outdoor businesses, and friends shop them for all of us.) My friend says most greens and soft fruits and veggies aren't even being offered there now - so a lot of people must have quit buying out of caution. Looking forward to getting home where I can raise my own greens!
A final word - I have looked high and low, and there is no evidence that vinegar in any concentration is an effective disinfectant against Covid-19, even though I see recipes for it on the Internet every day. A few places I consider reliable, such as Consumer Reports and the World Economic Forum (both gather their info from many sources) specifically note that there is no evidence vinegar (acetic acid) kills coronaviruses.
Stay safe everyone, but continue to eat healthy!
Sue

@mayofeb You say your not buying anymore vegies or fruits that isn't good you won't be getting the nutrients you need . I hope this means your getting frozen instead

Yes, I understand that heat and cooking produce kills the virus. I'm just staying away from grocery stores right now because of lung issues which make me more vulnerable to the shoppers as well as fresh foods. Pretty well stocked up and getting more creative with some meals. Smiles I haven't seen recommendations either for using vinegar as a disinfectant...I've been sticking with a bit of Dawn in lukewarm water and scrubbing harder skinned fruits with a veggie brush.

@fiesty76 When I stated about washing your vegies with vinegar and water It wasnt about a virus somehow Sue thought I said this for washings of vegies and fruit concerning the covid-19 virus This is misinformation.,which I didn't say

@lioness Sorry I wasn't clear. People are reaching for "any port in a storm" these days, so it was only meant to clarify. I continue to receive messages & posts daily telling me vinegar, or essential oil, or lemon juice, or ??? will protect against the Virus. We need to make sure people don't misinterpret, that while these may work on other contaminants, they do nothing to protect us from Covid-19.
Hope you are staying safe & well.
Today we're trying a new activity - each driving our own cars to the state park 2 miles away & walking the trails there - where only the paths are open. We decided if there are too many other people with the same idea so we can't stay a safe distance, we'll come home.