How to Properly Wash Strawberries, According to Experts
Microbiologists and culinary experts explain the best way to clean strawberries as cyclosporiasis cases rise in the U.S.
Strawberries are a grocery store staple, but experts say they still need thorough washing before eating — especially as cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a parasite found in feces on produce, rise in the United States.
According to Michael Handal, a culinary instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, produce can carry dirt, bacteria, fungi and other microbes even when it looks clean. "Commercial produce may also carry trace amounts of chemicals and pesticides," he said. "Washing fresh produce before consuming or preparing meals is imperative."
Experts recommend a step-by-step process. First, sort through unwashed strawberries and discard any that are bruised, spoiled or moldy. If not using them right away, store them in a ventilated container.
When ready to eat or cook with the berries, place them in a sieve or colander set inside a large glass bowl. Mix one part distilled white vinegar to three parts cool water — for example, one cup of vinegar to three cups of water. Gently move the strawberries around to remove debris and let them sit for up to a minute, but no longer, since longer soaking can alter their texture, Handal said.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook University, explained why vinegar helps. "Vinegar is an acid," she said. "And none of the bugs like acid and certainly bacteria don't like acid." The vinegar helps release bacteria and other contaminants from the surface of the strawberries, though it does not kill pathogens outright, according to Nachman.
After soaking, drain the strawberries and dry them thoroughly on a cutting board or paper-towel-lined baking sheet, pressing gently with another paper towel. For extra dryness, a salad spinner can remove remaining moisture. Experts say drier strawberries last longer, since residual moisture speeds up spoilage. Store the dried berries in a ventilated food container in the refrigerator.
Products like fruit and vegetable washes, salad spinners and ventilated storage containers can also help extend the shelf life of strawberries and remove wax coatings or residue from the produce.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
