How to Properly Clean Strawberries? Here Are Effective Tips and Tricks!
If you tend to buy fruits from the local store since you do not have your own garden, it is really important to wash them the right way. Otherwise, there might be pesticides and other elements that are bad for your digestive system and could lead to health issues. Compared to fruits like citrus and bananas, strawberries are less protected throughout the packaging and handling process. So, how to properly clean strawberries? Keep on reading to find out simple ways and tips below!
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How to Properly Clean Strawberries Before Eating? Here Is What The Experts Suggest!
If you are still wondering whether you have to focus so much on cleaning fruits before eating them, think about the dangerous germs that they might contain! For example, recently, there were outbreaks of E.coli bacteria in lettuce that you are buying from the market. While there are many ways to clean berries, some approaches are better compared to others. Check out what the experts suggest below.
Sink Rinse
The simplest method of cleaning is to easily rinse each strawberry with running cold water. Rub the fruits gently in order to remove dirt and bacteria.
Cleaning Strawberries With Vinegar
Vinegar can effectively remove pesticides and bacteria from your strawberries. You need to mix three or four coups of water and one cup of apple cider vinegar into a bowl. Then, leave the berries there for about 15 minutes. To prevent the fruit from smelling like a vinegar, rinse the berries with tap water.
How to Wash Strawberries With Salt?
Recently, some TikTok videos showed how washing your strawberries with salted water is good for removing tiny bugs. Although they are harmless, you would not be able to remove them with just by using tap water. How to make the solution? Experts suggest mixing a tablespoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Soak the berries for at least 10 minutes.
Read also: How to remove pesticides from fruits?
Using Professional Cleaning Machines
There are specific ultrasonic produce cleaning machines that are known to eliminate even the smallest elements out of your berries that can’t be removed with water. This is an innovative method that still has not gained popularity, yet it is a thing to consider.
How to Properly Clean Strawberries With Baking Soda?
If you do not like the taste of vinegar, you can instead soak the berries into a mix of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 4 cups of water. This solution can effectively remove pesticides and dirt out of fruits.
Storing Strawberries
No matter where you got the strawberries from – the market, local shop, or your own garden, it is best to store them unwashed in a fridge before washing and eating them. Since this kind of fruit contains a lot of water, it can stay fresh longer compared to other types.
Too-Soft Strawberries
Now, a question that you may have is what to do with those berries that have bruises or way too-soft skin? Those are signs that your strawberries may get mushy or moldy, so it is wise to throw them away.
Read also: How to make a delicious strawberry smoothie?
When to Wash the Fruit?
We advise you to wash the strawberries right before you are planning to eat or cook them. Also, do not forget to wash your hands too, so that contamination can be avoided. Keep in mind that if you clean the berries and leave them in the fridge again, they might get spoiled!
In conclusion, cleaning your strawberries properly before eating them is absolutely necessary, especially if you have bought them from the store. The reason being is that pesticides and harmful elements are not good for your health. We hope that this article was helpful!
