Strawberries are one of the summer season's greatest gifts! They're bursting with juicy sweetness and they're perfect for using in your favorite strawberry recipes. But before you dig into a pint of fresh berries for that delectable dessert, you'll need to know how to clean the strawberries first.
For one thing, unwashed strawberries may contain dirt from processing and packing. There may also be pesticide residue or even tiny bugs. Ew! That's why washing strawberries properly is so important. But what's the right way to clean strawberries and get rid of all that yucky stuff? Ahead, you'll find all the tips you need for how to clean strawberries—including when to rinse them in water versus salt or vinegar.
Once your strawberries are clean, you can go on with making everything from breakfast to sweet co*cktails all summer long! Read on for additional tips on how to store your berries to make them last longer, which is the first step for freezing strawberries for future use, too!
What is the best way to clean strawberries?
The golden rule of cleaning strawberries is to only clean the amount you are going to eat at that particular time. When you buy the berries, you should store them dry and unwashed in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to eat some pull them out and give them a wash. Here's how to do it: put the amount of strawberries you want to wash in a colander (try to keep them in a single layer, wash in batches if you need to) and run them under cold water for about 20 seconds, moving them around to make sure you get all sides rinsed off. Then, they're ready to eat!
Do you wash strawberries with salt or vinegar?
You can wash strawberries with both, though neither are necessary—water works just fine! If you want to wash with salt though, you can dissolve one teaspoon in a couple of cups of warm water. Add some ice cubes to cool it down, then soak the strawberries in it for up to five minutes. Drain and thoroughly rinse the berries to avoid them taking on too much of a salty taste.
The Pioneer Woman Flea Market Ceramic Strainer
If you want to wash the strawberries with vinegar (this is a good choice if you're using non-organic strawberries because it will wash off pesticides more thoroughly) heres what to do: combine 2 cups water with 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and submerge the strawberries for about 10 minutes (increase the vinegar and water for larger quantities of berries).
Drain the berries and thoroughly rinse them to keep them from tasting pickled or acidic.
How do you get rid of bugs on strawberries?
Soaking strawberries in salt water will help dislodge any hidden dirt or bugs. (Gross, we know.) That said, it's normal for there to be some earthy residue on the berries, but if you're particularly concerned about bugs, give them a soak in salt water.
How do you store strawberries after cleaning?
Sadly, as soon as you wash your berries, they will start to break down, which is why it is recommended to only wash the berries you are going to use. But, life happens! So if you washed your berries already and need to store them, there are ways to slow down their deterioration. First, keep them whole and make sure they are very dry with a paper towel. Then line an air-tight food storage container with more dry paper towels and place the strawberries on top in one layer, if possible. Close the lid and pop them in the refrigerator for storage.
FAQs
Here's how to do it: put the amount of strawberries you want to wash in a colander (try to keep them in a single layer, wash in batches if you need to) and run them under cold water for about 20 seconds, moving them around to make sure you get all sides rinsed off. Then, they're ready to eat!
What is the best way to clean strawberries? ›
The best way to wash strawberries is to rinse them with water and then soak them in a vinegar for about 20 minutes or soak them in a water and baking soda mixture for about 15 minutes. How do you get rid of bugs on strawberries? Wash your strawberries in salt water to remove bugs and dirt.
Is it better to wash strawberries with vinegar or baking soda? ›
Both batches of berries lasted a full week without going moldy, but the ones washed in a solution of water and baking soda were noticeably softer and stodgier than those washed in a water and vinegar, which remained firm.
Why you should always wash your strawberries? ›
Washed vs Unwashed Strawberries
Not only is it just better for you to wash your strawberries, this method actually keeps the strawberries fresh for a longer period of time. On average, fresh strawberries last for up to a week in the fridge. This method can increase that time to up to 2 weeks!
Does washing strawberries in vinegar make them last longer? ›
Vinegar Bath, fresh for up to 2 weeks
Bathing your strawberries in vinegar only takes five easy steps, and can help the berries last much longer. The good news is that this method works for any type of berry.
Is it better to wash fruit with vinegar or baking soda? ›
Baking soda is an effective pesticide residue remover. Studies have shown that it can significantly reduce the presence of pesticides on the surface of fruits. Vinegar, with its acetic acid, is also helpful in this regard.
Can you soak strawberries in salt to clean them? ›
To make a salt water bath for your berries, dissolve 1 tsp. of salt per 1 cup of warm water. Let the mixture cool (you don't want the berries to cook in warm water) then soak the fruit for at least five minutes. After, rinse the strawberries with cold running tap water and pat dry.
How to clean strawberries to get rid of bugs? ›
According to Cornell University, placing berries in a solution of 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes will extract larvae that's been nesting in the fruit. Give the berries a good thorough rinse to remove any lingering saltiness and those unwelcome guests.
What happens if I don't wash my strawberries? ›
Unwashed strawberries—or all produce, for that matter—carry dirt, bacteria, and tiny insects. The foods can also still have pesticides from the growing process. The pesticides, as well as some of the bacteria, might make you ill if consumed.
Should strawberries be put in the refrigerator? ›
Where is the best place to store strawberries? Unless you plan to use the strawberries right away, it's best to store them in your refrigerator to preserve freshness. Unrefrigerated, berries will last only a few days; stored in the fridge, they could last up to a week.
Cover or fit into a large plastic sealable bag and then seal the bag and refrigerate. Stored this way, strawberries should last at least five-seven days. The strawberries should stay dry and cold.
How many cups of vinegar do you use to clean strawberries? ›
If you want to wash the strawberries with vinegar (this is a good choice if you're using non-organic strawberries because it will wash off pesticides more thoroughly) heres what to do: combine 2 cups water with 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and submerge the strawberries for about 10 minutes (increase the ...
How to get the bugs out of strawberries? ›
According to Cornell University, placing berries in a solution of 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes will extract larvae that's been nesting in the fruit. Give the berries a good thorough rinse to remove any lingering saltiness and those unwelcome guests.
What is the best way to remove pesticides from strawberries? ›
The results suggest that soaking strawberries in a 3% vinegar or 3% salt solution and rinsing them with running water is the recommended way to remove these four insecticides from strawberries during household washing.
