Not just rinsing: Most effective way to clean strawberries from pesticides
Dietitian explains how to properly wash strawberries (photo: Magnific)
Strawberries are often included in the list of berries that may contain pesticide residues after cultivation and transport. It is impossible to completely remove them at home, but proper washing can significantly reduce their amount, according to dietitian and nutritionist Viktoriia Honcharenko.
Why early strawberries can be harmful
According to the expert, nitrates are also present in home-grown strawberries. They form naturally in soil, water, and organic fertilizers.
In early strawberries, their levels may be higher because producers add nitrogen fertilizers to speed up growth and earlier ripening.
A bigger concern is pesticides.
“Strawberries consistently appear on the list of the most pesticide-contaminated berries and fruits. That is why perfectly clean early strawberries almost do not exist,” the statement says.
What is important to know about pesticides:
- They can accumulate in the body
- Some of them affect the nervous and hormonal systems
- They are not completely washed off with plain water
How to wash strawberries
First, soak strawberries for 10–15 minutes in water with baking soda (1 teaspoon of soda per 2 cups of water). Do not remove the green tops.
After that, rinse thoroughly under running water. Avoid berries with mold or a suspicious smell. If possible, choose seasonal strawberries — in June–July, they are usually less treated.
“Most often people get poisoned by strawberries not because of nitrates, but because of bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, contamination during irrigation or storage) or improper storage of the berries,” the dietitian added.
How to store strawberries
Do not wash immediately. Strawberries should not be washed before placing them in the refrigerator. Moisture on the surface speeds up mold growth. Wash only before eating.
Sort the berries. Before storing, carefully inspect strawberries. Discard soft or damaged berries.
One spoiled berry can quickly ruin the rest.
Store in the refrigerator. It is best to keep strawberries in the fridge:
- Place them in a container or bowl
- Line the bottom with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture
- Do not seal tightly to allow slight air circulation
This way, strawberries usually last about 2–5 days.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
