• Strawberries should be thoroughly cleaned to remove pesticides and bacteria.
  • Wait to clean strawberries until you programme to eat them to aid keep their structure.
  • Strawberries tin be washed in a vinegar or saltwater solution.
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Strawberries are a versatile fruit, whether yous're looking for a quick snack or dressing up a dessert. But before you dive in on eating a scattering, information technology'south important to thoroughly clean the popular drupe.

Strawberries rank at the top of the Dirty Dozen List released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) each year. That get-go-place ranking means strawberries contain higher levels of pesticides than other fruits and vegetables.

"Most people don't realize that strawberries have sponge-like capabilities, which means they tin easily blot pesticides and bacteria," says Andrea Mathis, MA, RDN, LD, registered dietitian nutritionist and the possessor of Beautiful Eats & Things. "To avert ingesting any of these potentially harmful components, information technology is very of import to wash your strawberries before consuming them."

To remove clay, pesticides, and bacteria, soaking strawberries in a vinegar solution or a saltwater bath will ensure they're clean and safe to eat.

When to clean strawberries

Information technology's best to wash strawberries right before you program to use them rather than when you go home from the grocery store.

"Because added wet will cause strawberries to go bad very quickly, they should only exist done if you are going to eat them immediately," notes Mathis. Washing them ahead of time will only cause the construction of the fruit to begin breaking downwards faster.

How to wash strawberries with vinegar

Use distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to soak your strawberries.
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If you've e'er used vinegar as a cleaning agent in your kitchen, you know how powerful it tin be. And the same goes for using it to wash strawberries.

According to Mathis, cleaning strawberries with vinegar volition only accept about five minutes.

Beginning past filling a bowl with four-parts cold water to one-office white vinegar. "Submerge the strawberries in the vinegar bath and allow them sit for nigh five minutes before rinsing the strawberries in cold water," she says. Once the berries are done, gently pat them dry with a towel or paper towel. Considering the ratio of vinegar to h2o is low, the clean berries won't accept any vinegar taste to them.

How to launder strawberries with salt

Rinse strawberries after soaking them in saltwater solution, so there is no lingering salty taste.
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Another quick and easy option to rid strawberries of pesticides and bacteria is washing them with salt. This method will likewise draw out any fruit fly larvae, or tiny white worms, that may exist hiding inside the berries.

Mathis suggests combining eight cups of warm water and two ½ tablespoons of any type of salt in a large bowl. Allow the common salt to deliquesce, and let the water cool before adding in the strawberries. Soak the strawberries in the common salt bath for almost five minutes before rinsing them with absurd water and patting them dry out. Rinsing the berries volition go rid of whatever lingering common salt residue.

Insider's takeaway

While strawberries can make for a quick snack, information technology'south crucial to wash them before taking a seize with teeth. Strawberries consistently height the Dingy Dozen list due to the prevalence of pesticides. Washing strawberries in a vinegar solution or a saltwater bathroom will ensure cleanliness before digging in.

Molly Allen is a former bakery possessor and event planner. Now, a freelance writer and editor roofing nutrient and drink, lifestyle, travel, and parties, she brings her years of experience and manufacture knowledge to readers across a variety of platforms. Her work has appeared in Taste of Dwelling house, Brides, Cidercraft Magazine, amongst others. Follow her on Instagram @mollyallenmedia.