How to correctly wash away pesticides off strawberries?

Strawberry season is slowly starting! These delicious and aromatic fruits tempt us with their sweet taste and richness in vitamins. But did you know that even strawberries from a "trusted source" can contain pesticide residues? Here's how to properly clean them.

With strawberry season just around the corner, we all look forward to indulging in those juicy, sweet fruits. But have you ever stopped to think if you're washing them correctly?

Unfortunately, simply rinsing under running tap water is not enough, especially when dealing with fruits sprayed with pesticides. Knowing how to clean strawberries is crucial to enjoying healthy and safe strawberries. This ensures we avoid harmful substances and retain the full flavour and nutritional value.

Many of us wash strawberries under running water, believing it's adequate. However, water alone can't remove all the contaminants, including pesticides, from the fruit. These harmful substances can remain on the skin of the strawberries, even after a thorough rinse.

1. Prepare a solution of water and vinegar. Mix water and vinegar in a bowl in a 3:1 ratio.
2. Soak the strawberries in the solution. Let them sit in it for about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare a solution of water and baking soda. Fill another bowl with water and mix in 1 teaspoon of baking soda per litre of water.
4. Transfer the strawberries to the soda solution. Let them stay in it for another 5 minutes.
5. Rinse the strawberries thoroughly with clean water.
6. Dry the strawberries with a paper towel.

• Do not remove the stems of strawberries before washing.
• Store washed strawberries in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
• If the water after washing the strawberries in the baking soda solution appears cloudy, it indicates that the fruits were sprayed with pesticides.

Vinegar is an acid that helps remove bacteria and fungus from the fruits. Baking soda, on the other hand, acts as an alkalising agent and neutralises pesticides.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your strawberries are clean and safe. Enjoy!

Remember:

• Strawberry season lasts from June to September.
• The best strawberries are field-grown, meaning those that have grown in a field.
• When buying strawberries at a market or store, examine their appearance. The fruits should be firm and free of spots or mould.
• Seasonal fruits are more affordable and tastier than those available out of season.