How to wash strawberries depends on the type of strawberries. Here you’ll find three amazing and safe ways to wash organic strawberries and non-organic ones to remove pesticides and insects. This article will give you a step-by-step guide for washing strawberries the proper way using three safe household products.
EXTRA TIP…The skin of a strawberry is very soft which makes it absorbent. Washing your strawberries ahead of time will let the strawberries become mushy losing their plumpiness and firm texture. It’s best to wash your strawberries just before consuming them to enjoy the perfect fruit.
HOW TO WASH NON-ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES
Non-organic strawberries are those sold in supermarkets. These types of strawberries are deliberately preserved in various types of chemicals for shipping and shelf life. The truth is, whether non-organic or organic all strawberries are sprayed with pesticides that are used to prevent fungus. Simply put, your strawberries need to be washed using any of the below methods before consuming.
HOW TO CLEAN STRAWBERRIES WITH VINEGAR
To clean strawberries with vinegar is pretty easy. You’ll need to make a vinegar wash for strawberries. You just need four basic things to give your strawberries a thorough wash and the job is done. This method doesn’t require soaking just a quick wash will remove any form of chemical on the strawberries.
You’ll Need…
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- A container
- A colander
Instructions…
Step 1. Fill a container with 4 cups of room-temperature tap water ( not hot). Measurement is based on the number of strawberries your wash.
Step 2. Add to it 1/2 cup white vinegar. Simply swish around with your hands.
Step 3. Pour the strawberries out into a colander. Hold the colander underneath the tap on cool water and rinse for draining.
How Long Should You Soak Strawberries In Vinegar?
Much harm is not done if you soak your strawberries in vinegar. Vinegar is known to kill fungi and bacteria. If you need firm strawberries then soaking is not necessary. Keep in mind that vinegar also softens food items so excess soaking may leave you with saggy and extra-soft strawberries. You may even taste vinegar when you bite into the berry as the vinegar may linger. It’s best to wash right away, strain, and enjoy.
HOW TO WASH ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES
Get to know your berries. Check your source if the berries are handpicked from a local strawberry farm. if so be the case your berries may not need excessive washing after all. These types of berries most times are not packed with pesticides and harmful chemicals for preservation. Washing these types of strawberries is quick and easy.
Instructions…
- Place the berries in a colander
- Turn on the tap on the cool water
- Hold the colander underneath the running water for 3 minutes
- Dry the strawberries either by laying them out on a sheet of paper towel or drying them with a clean dishcloth.
HOW TO WASH STRAWBERRIES WITH SALT
Washing strawberries with salt is another good way of ensuring your berries are clean. This simple method is the opposite of the vinegar method. Here are the steps…
Step 1. Add 1 teaspoon salt to every 1 cup of cool water
Step 2. Stir the water to ensure the salt is evenly distributed
Step 3. Place the berries into a clean empty container
Step 4. Pour the salty water out on the berries, allowing 2 ounces of the salty sediment to remain in that container. Some salt may settle to the bottom. Pouring direct salt grains on the berries may spoil the taste.
Step 5. Allow the berries to sit for 2- 3 minutes, Rinse in a colander with cool fresh water, and your berries are ready to be eaten.
HOW TO CLEAN STRAWBERRIES WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen peroxide is popularly known for oral care, bleaching hair, and as a household antiseptic. However, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to kill bacteria in foods. Some of these bacteria are E. coli, salmonella, and last but not least listeria. A little hydrogen peroxide goes a far way in removing dirt built on fruits and vegetables and also eliminating pesticides. To clean your strawberries with hydrogen peroxide follow these simple steps…
Instructions…
Step 1. Dilute 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide into 4 cups cool water
Step 2. Add the strawberries and swish around for 2 minutes
Step 3. Place the berries into a colander strainer and hold them under the tap for rinsing. Avoid using hot water as this will sag the berries.
CAN DISH SOAPS BE USED TO WASH STRAWBERRIES
Dish soap is not made for human or even animal consumption. Using any soap to wash fruits and vegetables may cause serious digestion problems. As a matter of fact, dish soap is not proven to have antibacterial properties. Dish soaps are known for cutting grease on dishes. Keep in mind that whatever you used to wash your food most time a small percentage may linger after washing. Imagine if this is dish soap! The answer is… dish soaps are not a recommended source for washing fruits/ vegetables.
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THE END
Since you get to this last paragraph you must be packed with knowledge about washing strawberries. Following these instructions along with the dos and don’t will have you eating healthy juicy berries all year round.
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