Reuniting with loved ones, helping those we care about, or a simple photoshoot with our kids and pets can make even a few minutes feel magical. All the better if we take photos of those moments. This way we can be reminded of them and ignite a warm spark inside of us, even if we feel down.
We at <strong>Bright Side have a soft spot for family and friends and we just can’t resist sharing our latest compilation of special moments that people shared on the internet.
1. “My son teaching his little sister how to walk from his wheelchair.”
2. “My husband rooting for our daughter is the energy I need this week.”
3. “Today we celebrated one year of beating a tumor. My wife made me a cake! Yea, my son is trying to steal it.”
4. “Surprised my friend by bringing him to a zoo where he got to pet his favorite animal, a sloth. His face says it all.”
5. “A ‘photoshoot’ my husband did while I was at work. If this doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.”
6. “6 months meets 96 years — my Nana held her first great-granddaughter for the first time ever today!”
7. “Family moment 30 years ago with my mom and grandpa.”
8. “It took me nearly 26 years to find my father and his family. This is my newborn daughter and my uncle (my father’s brother).”
9. “I met my father for the first time in my (now) 29 years. We decided to have a ‘1st birthday’ on my 29th birthday.”
10. “I was a donor to my sister’s girlfriend and I’m now a proud uncle to my donor child.”
11. “My 96-year-old great-grandma with my kids and I. So thankful she’s in our lives!”
12. “Our flight got canceled for my birthday trip, and I missed the fancy pedicure we had booked. My husband surprised me the next day.”
13. “Met my internet best friend of 7 years for the first time!”
14. “My friend giving the neighborhood kids a huge box of chalk.”
15. “My daughter and I vs My granddaughter and I”
Which one touched your heart the most? Do you have a story with your loved one that you would like to share?
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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!
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