Amid a Cyclospora outbreak that has caused cases of explosive diarrhea across the U.S., experts are emphasizing the importance of thoroughly washing fresh produce. The OXO Good Grips salad spinner has emerged as a highly recommended tool for this task, praised for its ability to soak, rinse, and spin-dry fruits and vegetables effectively.
Cyclospora Outbreak and Produce Safety
Earlier this month, the microscopic stomach parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis began spreading across the United States. According to microbial disease experts consulted by HuffPost, the recent increase in fresh produce consumption, common during summer months, is likely to blame. Historically, the most commonly affected produce includes raspberries, basil, cilantro, lettuce, and pre-bagged lettuce mixes. While a thorough rinse in cold water is the primary defense, experts note that a salad spinner can ensure produce is as clean as possible by allowing full soaking and effective drying.
Features of the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
Available in three sizes and made from dishwasher-safe plastic, the OXO spinner simplifies the washing process. It includes an internal colander that fits inside the bowl, enabling users to soak produce, lift the colander to drain, and then spin to remove water. The non-slip base keeps the bowl steady, and the pump-style lid requires only a few presses to spin the colander. A brake button stops the basket immediately, preventing wait time. One reviewer noted, 'The brake button is a great feature because it stops the basket immediately without having to wait for it to slow down on its own.'
Customer Reviews and Benefits
Happy owners appreciate that the lid comes apart for easy cleaning, preventing mold. Previous salad spinner owners admit this is the best they've owned. An Amazon customer wrote, 'I’ve gone through several salad spinners over the years, and this OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner is by far the best one I’ve owned. The pump mechanism is incredibly smooth and easy to use, and it spins lettuce, herbs, and other vegetables dry in just a few seconds.' Another added, 'I honestly do not know how I survived without this in my life! It’s well built and cleans up easily.'
Other Salad Spinner Options
For those seeking alternatives, the Farberware 6.6-quart spinner offers a colander and bowl for rinsing and drying, with a push-down spinner and brake button. A stainless steel option with a non-slip base and 5.3-quart capacity is available for those avoiding plastic. For larger batches, a commercial 2.5-gallon spinner can handle full heads of lettuce and multiple bags of produce at once.
