How to Clean Strawberries, One of the Dirtiest Fruits, According to Experts

Strawberries are one of the most susceptible crops to pests and diseases, which is why it's critical to properly wash and clean them before using the berries in a dessert, snack, or smoothie. They typically carry contaminants, such as pesticide residue, dirt, debris, and tiny insects that collect on the fruit during growing, harvesting, and transport to the store. Whether the strawberries are conventional or organic, unwashed berries can cause foodborne illnesses, expose your body to chemicals, and they typically spoil faster. We spoke to two culinary experts who share below how to wash strawberries the right way to ensure a safe, healthy, and tasty treat.

Why You Need to Clean Strawberries

Strawberries are considered one of the most contaminated fruits you can buy, even if they look clean in the store. For this reason, buy organic strawberries when possible, but you should still always clean them, says Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health.

Often, strawberries are sold in perforated packages that allow for airflow, which is great for keeping the berries fresh, says Ann Ziata, chef and cooking teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education. However, the packaging exposes the fruit to dirt and cross-contamination during its journey from the farm to the store to your kitchen, so it's essential to wash strawberries before eating them, says Ziata.

How to Clean Strawberries With Water

Washing strawberries is easy. In general, a quick cold-water rinse is enough to clean strawberries, says Ziata. Simply place the strawberries in a colander then hold it under cold running water to rinse the fruit.

How to Clean Strawberries With Vinegar

Using distilled white vinegar is considered the best way to deep-clean strawberries. The vinegar can help remove mold spores, potentially keeping them fresher longer. However, some say the vinegar harms the strawberries and can impact their flavor, but you can experiment to see if you prefer this method of cleaning.

To clean strawberries using vinegar, take these steps:

1. In a large bowl, prepare a 3-to-1 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar.
2. Place the strawberries in a colander, then submerge the colander in the bowl.
3. Soak the strawberries for about a minute, swirling them gently.
4. Rinse the berries for 30 seconds under cold water to remove the vinegar.

How to Clean Strawberries With Baking Soda

Another option for deep-cleaning strawberries is to wash them in baking soda, says Ziata. Here's how:

1. Prepare a large bowl of cold water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 4 cups of water.
2. Add the strawberries.
3. Let sit for five minutes.
4. Place the strawberries in a colander and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
   

How to Dry Strawberries After Cleaning

Dry strawberries after cleaning them by laying the berries out on a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes, says Lyon. This helps reduce moisture, preventing premature spoiling and keeping extra water out of any recipes you may be using the strawberries for.

Tips for Cleaning Strawberries

• Wash your hands: Before handling strawberries, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to lower the risk of cross-contamination while cleaning the fruit.
• Wash when ready to use: Avoid cleaning strawberries before storing them in the refrigerator. Instead, wait until you're ready to use them. "No matter how well you dry the berries after washing, there will likely be some excess moisture on the surface," says Ziata. Extra moisture encourages mold growth and speeds up spoilage, ultimately shortening its shelf life, adds Lyon.
  
• Skip the soap: Avoid using soap on fruit, including strawberries. Soap exposes strawberries to contaminants, potentially making them unsafe to eat.
• Dry correctly: Use a clean towel when drying strawberries after washing them. Dirty towels re-introduce dirt, debris, and germs.