Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits among the population, but also one of the most likely to contain pesticide residues according to various studies. Although many consumers are aware of this, they are not as careful as they should be when washing them. Thus, an assistant professor of food processing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, he has unveiled simple and effective techniques for cleaning strawberries more thoroughly, removing both dirt and chemical residues.
Pesticides, very present in strawberries
The fact that strawberries are among the products with the most residues is due to several reasons, one of which is that they have a thin skin and grow close to the ground. This makes them more prone to absorbing pesticides. In addition, they attract pests and are vulnerable to fungal infections, which requires the repeated application of pesticides during the harvest season.
Changmou Xu explains it this way: “Strawberries are harvested several times a year, which means that pesticides must be applied constantly throughout their growth cycle to protect them from pests. This increases the potential for residues in the fruit.”
The best way to clean strawberries
According to Professor Xu, to be sure that strawberries are residue-free, it is advisable to use a simple but very effective method: “The best way to clean strawberries is to immerse them in clean water for a few minutes, and if you prefer, add a little white vinegar or a solution of baking soda. Then rinse them well with fresh water to remove any taste of vinegar or baking soda.”
If you choose vinegar, it is recommended that you follow these steps:
- Mix ½ distilled white vinegar with one cup of water.
- Then leave the strawberries in the solution for a few minutes and then rinse them under running water to remove any residue.
Xu emphasizes that vinegar is a safe option, food grade, and that it also has natural antibacterial properties.
There is also, according to Xu, the alternative of using baking soda:
- Dissolve a few teaspoons of baking soda in a large bowl of water for the following reason: “Baking soda has a slightly alkaline pH, which helps neutralize the acidic residues of pesticides on strawberries.”
- As with vinegar, it is essential to rinse the strawberries thoroughly after soaking to ensure that no strange flavor remains.
Methods to avoid when washing strawberries
Although Xu points out that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend commercial washing for fruit, many consumers choose to buy these types of products. The FDA warns that porous products, such as strawberries, can absorb these sprays and their safety and effectiveness have not been proven.
Therefore, the best option is still to clean strawberries under running water. According to Xu, placing them in a sieve and gently moving them under water is an effective way to remove residue and is a practical method that does not require rinsing each strawberry individually.
When to wash strawberries
Expert Xu says it would be a mistake to wash them as soon as you buy them because “they are very perishable and can develop mold quickly, especially when wet”. So it’s best to wait until you are about to eat them before washing them.
