How To Wash Strawberries Without Damaging Them?

Sweet, tart, and luscious strawberries are nature’s jewels that are as beautiful as they are healthy. 

But before you pop that ruby-red beauty into your mouth or use it for making your favorite strawberry drink, let’s talk about washing them. Those tender, mottled skins are not made for clumsy, high-pressure, roughshod rinses in the basin. 

How do you wash off the dirt without bruising their tender skin? 

Our guide on how to wash strawberries is here to turn you into a strawberry-handling pro. We’ll cover the best methods to wash this fruit as well as throw in some tips regarding storing them.

I. Do I need to clean strawberries?

Porous and dimpled in texture, strawberry skins absorb the pesticides and chemicals used to protect them from pests during the growth process. No wonder washing these berries is extremely important. 

This has caused the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to designate strawberries as one of the dirtiest dozen. This is a yearly list put together by the USDA that highlights fruits and vegetables tested for high pesticide use concentrations. 

Furthermore, the handling and transport of strawberries can lead to the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. 

Unwashed strawberries contain all of these and pose a huge health risk. Washing berries prior to consumption will eliminate any possible contaminants and lessen the risk of illness or irritation.

II. How to wash strawberries: Simple water rinse

To properly clean fresh strawberries with water, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the strawberries under cool, running water to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Fill a large bowl with cool water, gently place the strawberries into it, and let them soak for a few minutes.
3. Using a soft-bristled brush (very soft) or a clean cloth, gently scrub the strawberries to remove any remaining dirt or pests. Be careful not to bruise or damage the berries.
4. Rinse the strawberries again under cool, running water to remove any remaining dirt and vinegar.
5. Pat the strawberries dry with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.

Using cold tap water to rinse strawberries is a quick and simple way of cleaning them. However, if you are worried that water alone would not be enough to remove the pesticides from non-organic fruit, there are alternative methods for washing strawberries.

Due to the porous quality of strawberry skin, it is advised to avoid soaps and commercial produce wash since these can get absorbed into the fruit. Instead, use any of the natural methods suggested below:

III. Cleaning strawberries with vinegar

1. Fill a large bowl with a mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio. You can use apple cider vinegar to make this vinegar wash.
2. Place the strawberries in the bowl for 10 minutes.
3. Remove them from the mixture
4. Rinse with cold water and allow to dry completely before consuming.

IV. Cleaning strawberries with salt water

1. Combine 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of cold water in a large bowl or container.
2. Place the strawberries inside for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally to make sure each strawberry is properly covered by the solution.
4. Remove berries from the solution.
5. Rinse with cool running water before eating or consuming in any way.

V. Cleaning strawberries with baking soda

1. In a large bowl, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 4 cups of water.
2. Soak the strawberries in this solution for at least five minutes.
3. Take the strawberries out and rinse them in cold water to wash off the remaining traces of dirt or baking soda.
4. Pat them dry or place them on a towel and let them air dry for some time.

VI. Cleaning commercially frozen strawberries

Commercially available frozen strawberries typically do not require additional cleaning. During their processing, they would have been cleaned and quickly frozen at the peak of ripeness. This way, they can be used immediately once thawed.

If you prefer to rinse them before using, place them in a colander and let cool water run over them for a few seconds. Dry off the strawberries with a clean towel or paper towel to prevent them from becoming soaked and mushy.

Keep in mind that thawed strawberries are more fragile than fresh ones; handle them with care and consume them soon after thawing for optimal quality and flavor.

VII. Do strawberries have worms? 

Strawberries can be invaded by worms, although it’s rare. The culprit is the larvae of the spotted wing drosophila, which lays its eggs inside the fruit. Organic strawberries that have been grown without being sprayed with pesticides and chemicals are especially at risk of being invaded by bugs.  

Slice off the stem and cap of a strawberry to check for any worms before consuming. If there are any present, discard that berry. 

Apart from the internal worms, if there are any superficial bugs on the fruit, a good soak in salt water should help to get them all out. 

VIII. Storing fresh strawberries: Step-by-step instructions

Here’s a breakdown of how you can store strawberries the right way in order to ensure prolonged freshness: 

1. Leave the strawberries whole and unwashed until you’re ready to eat them.
2. Place the strawberries in a clean container with a lid or in a covered plastic container (avoid using containers that are too large, as excess air can cause them to spoil).
3. Store the strawberries in the refrigerator at an optimal temperature of 32-34°F.
4. If you need to wash the strawberries before storing them, be sure to pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel before placing them in the container to prevent mushiness and spoilage.
5. Avoid stacking the strawberries on top of each other. Alternatively, you can arrange them in a single layer to avoid damage.
6. Stored properly, fresh strawberries will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
7. If any strawberry starts to show signs of spoilage, remove it from the container to avoid contamination of the remaining batch.

IX. How long do strawberries last?

The shelf life of strawberries depends on a number of factors, including how they were stored, how ripe they were when they were picked, and the temperature at which they are stored.

In general, fresh strawberries will last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator if they are stored properly. The optimal temperature for storing strawberries is between 32-34°F.

Commercially frozen strawberries will last for several months in the freezer if they are stored properly. To store commercially frozen strawberries, keep them in their original packaging or transfer them to a plastic bag or airtight container. Frozen strawberries should be kept at a constant temperature of 0°F or below to ensure their quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, washing fresh strawberries is a crucial step to ensure they are safe and enjoyable to eat. Remember to store washed strawberries properly in the refrigerator and consume them within a few days for the best results.