The Best Way to Clean Raspberries to Remove Pesticides and Dirt They're the most crushable of berries, but they need to be cleaned. Close Credit: Getty Images Key Points Washing raspberries removes hidden dirt, bugs, and unwanted chemicals, making them safer and healthier to eat.Rinse raspberries gently or soak them briefly in water to clean them without making them mushy.A quick baking soda soak removes dirt and pesticides while preserving the raspberries’ flavor and texture.Even organic raspberries can have bugs or dirt, so washing them helps make sure they’re safe to eat. Berries are delicate and raspberries are the most fragile of the bunch. Washing them can feel like a balancing act. Their soft structure makes them easy to crush, yet skipping the cleaning step can leave behind dirt, bugs, and pesticide residue—even on organic berries. So, what’s the best way to wash raspberries without damaging them? Whether you’ve just brought home a pint from the farmers market or the grocery store, knowing how to wash raspberries properly helps ensure they’re safe to eat and stay fresh longer. It’s not just about rinsing; it’s about removing invisible residues while preserving flavor and texture. We spoke with experts in both culinary technique and food science to learn the safest and most effective way to clean raspberries at home. Stephen Chavez, senior chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education Lili He, professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst How to Store Raspberries So They Stay Fresh for 2 Weeks How to Wash Raspberries: Rinse or Soak? Senior chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, Stephen Chavez teaches his students that when it comes to raspberries, less is more. “I prefer a soft rinse or submerging them in water,” he says. And they often come in a container that makes this so easy: “The plastic case the fruit is sold in is designed to be rinsed without removing the berries.” If you do remove them from the container, he recommends placing the raspberries in a bowl of water or gently rinsing them in a mix of water and baking soda. Just don’t leave them in the water too long—soaking can cause the berries to lose their shape and become mushy. How to Clean Raspberries With Baking Soda The alkaline environment created by the baking soda helps lift away dirt and pesticide residue. Food scientist and professor Lili He suggests a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water. Soak the berries briefly, then thoroughly rinse them with plain water. This method is effective at reducing surface pesticides while remaining gentle on the fruit’s structure and flavor. Don't Miss The Best Way to Clean Blueberries to Remove Pesticides and Prevent Mold 7 Fruits That Are Packed With Protein—and the Best Ways to Eat Them Skip the Vinegar While some people swear by vinegar washes for cleaning produce, Chavez avoids them for raspberries. “Vinegar can add an unpleasant flavor,” he says. Baking soda, on the other hand, is effective and flavor-neutral when used briefly. Dry the Delicate Berries Once clean, spread the raspberries out on paper towels and let them air dry. This helps preserve their freshness and prevents mold. Set aside any that are broken or leaking juice—freeze them to use later in a smoothie, jam, or quick bread. What About Organic Raspberries? Yes, organic raspberries still need to be washed. “Organic can still have dirt or even small bugs,” Chavez says. At the Institute of Culinary Education, washing produce is emphasized from the first week of training and reinforced throughout every culinary lesson. With a little care and a basic baking soda rinse, you can clean raspberries effectively—without ruining what makes them so special. Explore more: Food & Cooking Cooking How-Tos & Techniques Food Storage