Food Prep tips for Hong Kong

Posted by mckenzie (859 days ago)

Hi,

some basic questions.. just moved to HK, and need some guidance as to food prep, mainly washing vegetables etc... what do i really need to do? And are the wet markets the best place to buy my fresh greens etc... i love to cook, and prefer lovely fresh ingredients of course!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by gui (855 days ago)

Not sure what you mean by food prep. Are you concerned whether rinsing the veg under tap water is safe?

If you don't speak cantonese, you might not want to shop at the wet market for your greens, at least not until you've become familiar with the prices. I've been had a couple of times at wet markets because I did not know what the correct prices were and ended up paying more than I should have. Being unable to converse in cantonese made it difficult for me to question the vendors about the prices. You can get your greens in Wellcome or Park&Shop. Of course it won't be as fresh. Alternatively, you could go to the Park&Shop Superstores, because they tend to sell fresh veg and seafood.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by aquagul (852 days ago)

In case you are planning to have salads you could use Milton sterilizing liquids or tablets. They are available in Parknshop.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mckenzie (852 days ago)

Thanks for you replies.... very helpful. I have heard all sorts of things about what you need to do to fresh fruit and veges before you consume... right up to the washing in bleach thing.... seems extreme to me... and not particularly appetizing.
Yes, need to know if washing under tap water is safe (my guess is no, is cooled boiled tap water ok??) and what do i need to do to salad ingredients, greens etc before we eat, either raw or cooked?? The sterilizing liquids for salad ingredients - soak or rinse with this?
Thanks again, you are a huge help!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkkm (852 days ago)

You can buy bottles of special fruit and vegetable wash in the supermarket (near the dishwashing liquid). I soak things in it and then rinse, but I don't do greens until I'm about to use them as they don't last as long after being soaked in detergent.

In terms of whether you use tap water to wash or not, it depends on the quality of water in your building (building pipes is where most water quality problems happen). Use whatever water you feel comfortable drinking.

Buying stuff at the wet market - getting ripped off is probably the least of your worries. (Besides, greens are pretty cheap anyway, so even if you are paying too much, most of us can still afford it). My worry, particularly since the news stodry a few weeks ago, is what has been sprayed on the produce. If even the big supermarket chains have food contaminated with banned toxic sprays, I hate to think what the wet markets have. Does it all get washed off - who knows?

Of course, you can only do so much (particularly here) to protect yourself against stuff like this. I'm not even sure that all the "organic" food is really organic, unless it's imported and been certified by some recognised agency. In the end, all you can do is be aware of the risks and decide which ones are important to you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)