People were horrified when a video on why you should absolutely be washing your vegetables went viral.
The video on TikTok took the platform by storm when a popular creator, @andrelifehack, demonstrated themselves washing their broccoli and multiple black bugs wriggled out of the florets.
Viewers were grossed out by what they saw and vowed to never touch the vegetable again.
“Omg I can’t believe I haven’t cleaned my broccoli,” said one user.
Despite this, Dr. Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explained that broccoli can be infested with various insects like aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles, which are not harmful to humans but can affect the plant’s health.
The best way to clean your broccoli is to use vinegar and cold water, Dr Deborah said.
“Soak the broccoli for 20 minutes in a sink full of cold water and add a few teaspoons of salt and two tablespoons of white wine vinegar,
“This will cause any insects to become detached from the florets. Then shake the broccoli vigorously before rinsing thoroughly and steaming or boiling.
“Broccoli should be stored in the fridge and loosely wrapped to allow the air to circulate it. Once washed and prepared it should be stored again in the refrigerator until cooking and it should last 3 to 5 days in the fridge.”
