Strawberries are so sweet and delicious that it's tempting to just eat them straight from the punnet. Even so, you really ought to clean them first. That delicate, thin skin means that they can easily absorb pesticides and dirt, and as they grow close to the ground, they may become contaminated. Luckily, cleaning them is quick and simple. Here's how to do it.
Why cleaning strawberries is important
There are two essential reasons to clean strawberries. Firstly, it's a way of getting rid of any lingering pesticide residue, dirt or bacteria. If you've ever seen a strawberry plant, you'll know that they grow very low to the ground, which means that they're an easy target for insects, dogs, and more. In some cases, tiny insects may actually be inside the strawberries that you buy! If that sounds disgusting, don't worry. A quick clean will take care of them.
The second reason to clean strawberries is that they’ll stay fresh for longer. They're one of the most delicate ingredients around. You've probably already experienced the disappointment of a punnet growing mould within a day or two, before you can make your favourite fruit recipes. Cleaning strawberries helps kill off the surface mould spores, which can keep the fruit fresher for longer.
How to properly clean strawberries
You can clean strawberries with either vinegar or baking soda. The method is simple:
- Prepare the soaking liquid.
- Briefly soak the strawberries.
- Then simply rinse and dry them.
Rather than draining them in a colander, it's important to lift them out of the liquid. This is because the dirt will collect at the bottom of the bowl. If you drain them, you'll just be pouring the dirt over them again.
Wait until the strawberries are completely dry before storing them in the fridge. Moisture is one of the main culprits for mould forming on all types of berries, so the drier they are, the better.
How to clean strawberries with vinegar or baking soda
Vinegar is better at killing mould spores and extending strawberries' shelf life, while baking soda is more effective for killing pesticides. Both can be used to clean strawberries. For vinegar, mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water with half a cup of white wine vinegar. Soak the berries for up to five minutes before draining. If you're using baking soda, add one teaspoon to 2 cups of warm water. Baking soda acts quickly, so only soak them for 30 to 60 seconds.
Be sure to rinse the strawberries afterwards to get rid of any lingering flavour of vinegar or baking soda. You don't want a refreshing glass of berry boost juice to taste like a splash of vinegar!
How to clean strawberries from pesticides
The best way to clean pesticides from strawberries is by using baking soda. It's imperative to act quickly. Strawberries are thin-skinned and can easily become waterlogged, so only let them soak for 30 to 60 seconds before lifting them out and gently rinsing them.
Wash strawberries as soon as you take them home, then store them in the fridge for use in desserts, vegetarian recipes or snacks.
Storing strawberries and how to keep them fresh
Store strawberries in the fridge and try to use them as quickly as possible. If you have a big enough container, spread the strawberries out so they are not touching each other. This helps prevent mould from spreading from one fruit to another.
To keep strawberries fresher for longer, wash them as soon as you can, and don't cut off the green stems until you're ready to use them in tasty treats like these Gü strawberry cheesecakes. Discard any strawberries that are soft or bruised, as they might develop mould quickly.
When to wash strawberries and common cleaning mistakes
Wash strawberries as soon as possible. If you order a meal kit with strawberries, like this tempting Gü strawberry and clotted cream cheesecake bundle, clean them right away. It only takes a few minutes. Never let them soak too long, and rinse them very gently. Remember that this little red fruit is very delicate and has a very thin skin. Because of this, it can easily bruise or break if you’re rough with it.
Be sure that your strawberries are completely dry before you store them in the fridge, ideally in a container lined with a clean paper towel. Don't remove the stems or cut them until you're ready to use them. Leaving them whole means they'll last longer.
Strawberries are great in savoury dishes as well as sweet. Take a look at these vegetarian meal delivery kits for recipe inspiration to use up a glut of berries.
Cleaning strawberries FAQs
How do you wash strawberries?
Wash strawberries in either a mixture of vinegar and water or baking soda and water. Soak them briefly (60 seconds if using baking soda, up to 5 minutes for vinegar), rinse, dry, and store them.
Should strawberries be washed before storing?
Yes, it's a good idea to wash strawberries as soon as you take them home. Briefly submerging strawberries in warm water can prevent mould from growing, making them last longer in the fridge.
Is it better to wash strawberries with vinegar or baking soda?
That's entirely up to you. Baking soda is best for removing pesticide residue, but vinegar is more effective when it comes to killing mould and extending the strawberries' shelf life.
Can you clean strawberries with vinegar?
Yes. To avoid unwanted odours, don't use neat (undiluted) vinegar. Instead, mix half a cup of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water, then soak the strawberries in it for up to five minutes before rinsing and drying.
Is a strawberry a berry?
No. Botanically speaking, a strawberry is not a berry, which is a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary. Strawberries develop from flowers with multiple ovaries, so they are aggregate fruits. Remember that for your next pub quiz!