Cleaning strawberries: Salt water does more harm than good!

Cleaning strawberries: Salt water does more harm than good!

Strawberries are very popular in early summer. Many enjoy the sweet fruits eaten fresh or as an ingredient in various recipes. However, it is important to wash strawberries thoroughly before enjoying them to prevent health risks.

The recommended methods for washing strawberries are simple: either rinse the fruit under running water in a salad spinner or pasta strainer, or place them in a bowl of water, swirl gently, and then empty the water. However, care should be taken not to leave the strawberries in the water bath for too long, as this could affect their taste. While cleaning with salt water is often promoted on social media, caution is advised as this method can alter the taste of the strawberries, which can be particularly detrimental when consumed and baked. In addition, washing in salt water is not necessary to clean the fruit, as Merkur reports.

Effectiveness of the salt water method

Public discussions about washing strawberries in salt water are particularly common on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Proponents argue that salt water can not only remove small worms from strawberries, but also extends the fruit's shelf life and slows the growth of mold and bacteria. According to For You, 1-2 teaspoons of salt should be dissolved in cold water. The strawberries should then be soaked for 5-10 minutes and then rinsed thoroughly with clean water.

However, experts point out that small, white worms on strawberries are usually fruit fly larvae and pose no health risk. The Federal Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organizations recommends cleaning strawberries gently so as not to damage the delicate surface of the fruit. The consumer advice center also recommends a mixture of water and a dash of vinegar to effectively remove mold spores.

Optimal storage after washing

After washing, the strawberries should be stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator on a kitchen towel. Berries with soft spots should be eaten quickly, while moldy fruits must be discarded. Unwashed strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, preferably in an airtight container. It is advisable to wash the strawberries immediately before eating to avoid them from rotting quickly.

In summary, while washing strawberries is important, the choice of method is crucial. Prevailing views on saltwater bathing are mixed, with many experts advocating gentler methods to preserve the flavor and freshness of the popular summer fruit.