This young man was raised as an average youngster in Stratford, Ontario, participating in sports like hockey and soccer. He is originally from London, Ontario.
This young man was raised as an average youngster in Stratford, Ontario, participating in sports like hockey and soccer. He is originally from London, Ontario.
His early interest for drumming was fostered during church visits where he would watch the drummer, saying, “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved music.” He went on to teach himself how to play the piano, guitar, and trumpet while taking drum classes.
The boy’s mother continued to be his greatest supporter despite their financial difficulties, posting videos of him performing soul covers on YouTube. Despite her inability to purchase drum kits, she got him drumsticks so he could drum on the ground.
When he was twelve years old, he entered a local talent competition and placed second with a performance of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick.” His mother posted footage of him performing on YouTube so that others could see how committed she was to promoting his potential.
The boy’s luck altered as his musical ability flourished. He made almost $3,000 doing everything from busking in front of a Stratford theater during the summer to shrieking pop songs while brushing his teeth.
With this fortune, he was able to take his family on their first-ever Disneyland vacation, realizing a dream for them. Once restricted by his lack of resources, the child now gets to walk into a restaurant and order without looking at the menu.
Justin Bieber thought back on his history and admitted that although they didn’t have much money, he had a happy childhood. His lack of riches gave him a profound respect for money.
Bruce Dale, Justin’s grandfather, said that despite Justin’s gifts and unwavering work ethic, he was a good youngster who rose to prominence in today’s popular music.
Scooter Braun, a rising star in the music industry and party promoter in Atlanta, saw Justin Bieber’s YouTube videos and took an interest in the singer-songwriter.
At first, Braun was looking for a different YouTube sensation, but his attention was drawn to Justin’s incredible vocal ability. Braun was determined to find Justin, so he tracked down the busking video, found his school, and persistently contacted Justin’s mother, Pattie.
She washed these vegetables with soap because…
Cooking for the first time can be intimidating. There are so many rules, tips, and techniques that experienced cooks take for granted. One common mistake that beginners make is washing vegetables with soap, believing that it will make the food cleaner. However, this is not only unnecessary but can also be harmful.
Why Would Someone Wash Vegetables with Soap?
If you’ve never cooked before, you might assume that soap is the best way to remove dirt and bacteria from vegetables. After all, soap is used to clean dishes, hands, and surfaces—so why not food? While this logic seems reasonable, it’s actually a big misconception.
Many beginners want to ensure that their produce is as clean as possible, especially with concerns about pesticides, bacteria, and dirt. However, using soap is an unnecessary step that can do more harm than good.
The Hidden Dangers of Washing Vegetables with Soap
Washing vegetables with soap might sound harmless, but it can lead to several problems:
1. Soap is Not Meant for Consumption
Household dish soap and hand soap contain chemicals and detergents that are not meant to be ingested. Even if you rinse thoroughly, soap residues can remain on the vegetables, leading to stomach discomfort or digestive issues when consumed.
2. It Can Alter the Taste of Your Food
Have you ever accidentally gotten soap in your mouth? That bitter, unpleasant taste can transfer to your food if you wash your vegetables with soap. This can completely ruin the flavor of your dishes.
3. Soap Can Strip Away Natural Protective Layers
Many vegetables and fruits have a natural protective coating that helps keep moisture in and bacteria out. Washing them with soap can strip away these natural defenses, causing them to spoil faster.
4. Risk of Chemical Ingestion
Some soaps contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if ingested, even in small amounts. This is why food-grade cleaning solutions exist for commercial use, but for home cooking, they are unnecessary.
What is the Proper Way to Wash Vegetables?
Now that we know why using soap is a bad idea, let’s talk about the correct way to clean your vegetables:
1. Rinse with Cold Water
The best and easiest way to clean produce is by rinsing it under running cold water. This helps remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues without the need for soap or chemicals.
2. Use a Vegetable Brush for Tough Skins
For produce with thicker skins like potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers, using a vegetable brush can help scrub away dirt more effectively.
3. Soak in Vinegar or Baking Soda Water (Optional)
If you’re extra cautious, soaking vegetables in a solution of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for a few minutes can help remove more bacteria and pesticide residue. Baking soda water is another great alternative.
4. Peel When Necessary
If you’re concerned about contaminants, peeling vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or apples can help remove pesticide residues and dirt.
5. Dry Properly
After washing, pat your vegetables dry with a clean towel or let them air dry. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps them fresh longer.
Common Misconceptions About Cleaning Vegetables
There are plenty of myths about washing vegetables, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction:
- “Hot water kills bacteria faster.” – While hot water can kill bacteria, it can also cause vegetables to wilt or lose nutrients. Stick with cold water.
- “Soap removes pesticides better than water.” – Water alone does a great job of removing most pesticide residues, especially if you scrub or soak the produce.
- “You need special fruit and vegetable washes.” – While commercial produce washes exist, studies show they’re not significantly more effective than plain water.
Final Thoughts
Washing vegetables is an essential step in cooking, but using soap is a rookie mistake that should be avoided. Soap isn’t designed for consumption, and it can leave harmful residues on your food. Instead, stick to cold water, gentle scrubbing, and natural cleaning solutions like vinegar or baking soda.
Cooking is a learning process, and mistakes happen. But now that you know why soap and veggies don’t mix, you’re one step closer to becoming a kitchen pro. Happy cooking!
Leave a Reply