← Back
Countries

Germany: Local fruit and vegetables

Apples, pears, cherries, plums, cabbage, carrots and seasonal asparagus (Spargel) are widely available in Germany. During treatment, rules for washing, peeling and cooking matter.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, fruit in a crate.
Figure 1.Apples and cherries.

01Short answer

Markets have plenty of apples, pears, cherries, plums, strawberries, red and white cabbage, carrots, potatoes and, in spring, asparagus. Choose whole, undamaged fruit, wash it well under running water and peel it when possible. Hard-to-wash berries, pre-cut salads and raw sprouts may be limited during neutropenia; braised red cabbage (Rotkohl), asparagus and vegetable soups are good alternatives.

02Simple explanation

Whole: undamaged.

Wash: under running water.

Cook: the vegetables.

03Scientific explanation

Sprouts: the FDA advises at-risk groups to avoid raw sprouts.

Water: drinking water in Germany is strictly controlled; the Umweltbundesamt gives information.

04What happens in the body?

Local fruit

Apples and pears are whole and easy to wash.

Cooked vegetables

Rotkohl and carrots are braised for a long time and become soft.

On a dark navy background, cabbage in a pot.
Figure 2.Cooked vegetables — Germany: Local fruit and vegetables

Washing

Rinse fruit under running water before cutting.

On a dark navy background, apples under a tap.
Figure 3.Washing — Germany: Local fruit and vegetables

05The fruit and vegetable rule

Four steps.

Whole — Choose it.1WholeChoose it.
Wash — Running water.2WashRunning water.
Peel — When possible.3PeelWhen possible.
Cook — Vegetables.4CookVegetables.
VitaminsA colourful table.
SafetyLower risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Local fruitApples and pears are whole and easy to wash.
Cooked vegetablesRotkohl and carrots are braised for a long time and become soft.
WashingRinse fruit under running water before cutting.

07Key terms

Rotkohl
Red cabbage.
Spargel
Asparagus.
Sprossen
Sprouts.
Wochenmarkt
Weekly market.

08Key points

  • Skip damaged fruit.
  • Wash before cutting.
  • No raw sprouts.
  • Eat cut fruit straight away.
  • Ask about grapefruit.

09Frequently asked questions

Are strawberries allowed?

They are hard to wash; ask your team during neutropenia.

Pre-cut salad?

Usually not recommended during neutropenia.

Frozen berries?

Safer only when boiled; ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are strawberries allowed?

  2. Pre-cut salad?

  3. Frozen berries?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  4. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  5. Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR). Official website
  6. NFK (Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient Organisations). Official website (in Dutch)
  7. Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre). Official website (in Dutch)
  8. Vewin (Association of Dutch drinking water companies). Official website
  9. Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency). Sick pay: continued payment of wages
  10. KWF Kankerbestrijding. Official website (in Dutch)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →