How To Wash Strawberries: The 3 Simple Methods You Should Try

We got to the bottom of how exactly you should be washing your strawberries, why it's important, and anything else you may need to know when it comes to enjoying your fruit. 

Contrary to popular belief, washing your fruit doesn't have to be a huge production. In fact, while it requires a little more effort than simply running them under the water, there's no reason to go overboard with washing your strawberries. "For strawberries in particular, use cold running water and a gentle rubbing motion right before eating them," recommends registered dietitian nutritionist Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, L.D.

If you want to give your fruit a little extra bath, you can also place your berries in a colander and shower them in cold water before scrubbing them lightly. Making sure to blot your berries after rinsing them will also ensure that any leftovers you don't immediately eat will store well and not spoil overnight in the fridge. Ideally, though, you'd wash your berries directly before eating them.

Soaking your berries in salt water will also draw out any bugs or larvae that may have made a home in the crevices of your berry (gross, we know) but may slightly change the taste. For this method, add a teaspoon of salt to a bowl of warm water and let your berries soak for five to 10 minutes to make sure you're eating the freshest bug-free fruit possible. Of course, you'll want to rinse them again after, in order to remove the salty residue.

Washing your strawberries at home can help to remove some of this residue, as well as any dirt that may be leftover from growth and harvest. "Strawberries have a rough surface due to their seeds, so it is important to wash them (and lightly scrub them) with running water," notes Ginger Hultin, M.S., RDN.

However, you may be under-cleaning your strawberries as well. "If you're just wiping with a paper towel or giving a brief rinse, that's not enough," warns Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN. There should be some mild scrubbing, too.

Strawberries are one of the most versatile fruits: from topping your overnight oats to acting as a star ingredient of a bright salad, the options are nearly endless. If you need a little inspiration, here are our favorite mbg recipes to make the most of your berries:

Taking those extra seconds to wash your strawberries before you dig in will not only remove dirt from the surface but can also cleanse your fruit of pesticides. You don't have to go overboard to make sure your fruit is getting clean, a good rinse and a gentle scrub are really all it takes to prepare your strawberries for all the delicious dishes they can inhabit.