Then:
- Separate the stalks if they are packed tightly together.
- Rinse them under clean, running water.
- Gently rub the surface with your fingers.
- Pay particular attention to the white lower section, where soil and debris can collect.
- Use clean utensils and a clean cutting board when preparing them.
Simply giving vegetables a quick splash of water may not be enough to remove all visible dirt.
Cooking Provides Another Layer of Protection
If you don’t need the green onions raw, cooking them can provide an additional food-safety step.
Adding them to soups, stir-fries, sauces, omelets, or other cooked dishes exposes them to heat, which can destroy many harmful microorganisms.
Of course, cooking isn’t always practical. Green onions are commonly used fresh as a garnish, and that’s perfectly reasonable when they have been properly washed and handled.
Don’t Forget About Cross-Contamination
Washing the vegetables is only part of the process.
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