Salad spinners aren’t just for salad — you can wash any kind of fresh produce in them, which comes in handy when there’s a bacterial or parasitic outbreak like the one we’re currently experiencing.
This summer, a microscopic stomach parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis started spreading across the U.S., causing explosive diarrhea in its wake. According to microbial disease experts that HuffPost has spoken to, the summer increase in fresh produce consumption is likely to blame. The best way to help protect yourself (and stay off the toilet) is to make sure your fruits and veggies are thoroughly washed.
Historically, the produce most commonly affected by Cyclospora is raspberries, basil, cilantro, lettuce, and especially some lettuce mixes that come pre-bagged. And though a good rinse in cold water is really all you need as your best line of defense, experts say a salad spinner could also help ensure your produce is as clean as possible — because not only does it allow you to soak your produce fully, but it also spins it dry.
If you don’t already own one, the OXO Good Grips salad spinner is one of the most beloved options on the internet, and aside from keeping you and your family safe from any unwanted illnesses, it may prove to be one of the most convenient tools in your kitchen.
In fact, as one Amazon customer put it: “I honestly do not know how I survived without this in my life!”
Here, Wirecutter shows you how easy it is: