You are probably not washing strawberries properly

All the steps to properly wash strawberries to remove soil residues, traces of pesticides and any pests (and enjoy them lightly)

It is time to strawberries! But do we really know how to wash them properly? Most likely not. Too often we make the mistake of washing them superficially. Nothing more wrong! In fact, strawberries are at the top of the list of the most contaminated fruits pesticides. Also this year they were included in first place in the American American ranking Dirty Dozen, which includes fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residues. So let's find out what are all the steps to follow to wash strawberries.

Read also: How to properly disinfect strawberries to eliminate pesticides and parasites

Index

Why it is important to learn how to wash strawberries

Unlike most fruits that grow on trees, strawberries grow directly in the soil, which is rich in fertilizers, usually far from natural. Furthermore, fruits such as bananas and oranges are better protected from contamination thanks to their peel which acts as a "shield", a characteristic that strawberries do not have. Finally, strawberries are particularly prone to attacks from fungal diseases and parasites, which is why farmers often abound with pesticides, which end up harming the environment but also our health. To eat strawberries in a safer way, it is therefore essential to wash them in the most correct way.

The steps to follow to best wash strawberries

But what is the right way to wash strawberries and consume them safely? To help consumers do this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has outlined a few simple steps to follow:

Wash your hands well

It might seem like a foregone conclusion, but it's not at all. “When you make any fresh produce, start with clean hands,” explains Amanda Turney, a spokesperson for the FDA. "Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after preparation."

Remove rotten or dented parts

The next step is to remove the bruised or rotten parts of the strawberries. If any of the strawberries have mold, there is very little to do and it would be better to throw it away.

Wash the strawberries (using a vinegar solution)

Now all that remains is to put the strawberries in a colander and pass them under cold water, gently rubbing them one by one. If they are particularly dirty with earth or heavily treated, you can soak them for a couple of minutes in a cup with 1/2 of water and 1/4 of vinegar and then rinse them thoroughly.

Read also: 5 tips for removing pesticides from fruit and vegetables

Dry the strawberries

A step that is often forgotten is the drying of strawberries. "After washing, gently blot the strawberries with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce any bacteria that may be present on the surface," clarifies the FDA's Turney. To speed up the drying process, it is recommended to spread the strawberries on a towel.

Eat strawberries as soon as possible or store them in the fridge

Once the strawberries have been washed and dried, it would be better not to let too much time pass before consuming them because washing them makes them softer and accelerates the deterioration process of the fruit. If you don't eat them right away, keep them in the refrigerator. If you intend to prepare a fruit salad or a smoothie, remember to always wash the strawberries when they are still intact and cut them into pieces later, when they are already washed to avoid the transfer of soil residues, bacteria or chemicals.

Follow your Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube

Source: FDA