How to clean strawberries to be safe and last a long time, say the experts

No one wants a side of germs and bacteria with their favorite fruit.


There is nothing better than having products available in your refrigerator to snack or cook, especially fresh strawberries. But as tempting as they may appear, these ripe and red berries are not ready to eat right away. In addition to storing your fruit So it lasts as long as possible, it is also essential to make sure it is carefully cleaned, so it is sure to consume. Read the rest to learn to clean strawberries, according to food security experts.

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Why is it important to wash strawberries?

strawberries
Anilakkus / Istock

With their sliding and slippery slippery skin, fresh berries can be one of the most attractive items of any propagation. But whether they come from your garden, the producer or grocery market, washing strawberries before eating them is an essential step.

"It is important to wash strawberries to eliminate dirt, pesticides, tiny insects and all bacteria or contaminants that can be on their surface," said Bridget Vickers , dean partner of students with Culinary Education Institute Los Angeles campus. "Since strawberries are often consumed, in -depth washing guarantees that they are sure to consume and ensure our customers safe."

How does strawberry cleaning them to last longer?

A close up of a person cleaning strawberries in the sink
Istock / Anchiy

Taking the time to clean strawberries is not only to eliminate pathogens and contaminants that may be dangerous for your health. Experts say there is also another considerable advantage.

"Strawberry cleaning eliminates deterioration microorganisms and external insects, thus extending the lifespan of the berries", explains Jill Roberts , PHD, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Southern Florida.

However, that is also why it is crucial to dry them properly after washing.

"Excess humidity can promote the growth of mold," warns Vickers. "Strawberries properly cleaned and dried stored in the right conditions can remain cool longer."

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How to clean strawberries

Close up of a strainer filled with strawberries getting washed
Istock / Tkphotography64

Ready to transform these undlaimed strawberries into a beautiful snack or to use them in a recipe? Here is the right way to clean strawberries, according to food security experts.

Wash your hands.

Unfortunately, germs and bacteria can always make their way on your unwashed berries even after having brought them to your kitchen. As with any preparation for foods that will be consumed raw, you should always start by washing your hands.

Remove damaged or moldy berries.

The next step is to choose your fruit and inspect it for quality. Notice damaged, bruised or moldy berries? Pull them and throw them to avoid contaminating the group by promoting deterioration. If you do not want to waste a whole fruit, you can also cut the bruised or damaged areas with an office knife.

Dry the strawberries and store them.

If you do not plan to eat them right away, you can then dry the strawberries with paper towels and transfer them to a clean glass container like a large bowl. You can then place them in the Crisper drawer of your refrigerator and store them as almost 40 degrees as possible Fahrenheit.

Soak the strawberries.

Once you are ready to eat a little or all of your fruit, take as many berries as you need the refrigerator and place them in a large bowl of cold taps with a very small amount of white vinegar, Apple cider vinegar, baking soda or salt water. Then allow them to dip for about five minutes to kill microorganisms on their surface.

Bryan Quoc le , Phd, a eating and author of 150 questions about food science answered , tell Better life That you can also clean the strawberries with salt by soaking them in lukewarm water. Just follow the same steps and let stand for at least a minute.

Rinse the fruit.

The next step is to start rinsing strawberries with cold running water for about a minute. Then bastard them carefully with a paper towel or a new clean torchance before serving or consuming them. You can also store strawberries in the refrigerator after washing them if you don't finish them right away.

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Will the washing of a strawberry affect the flavor?

A young woman eating strawberries in the kitchen
Istock / Milan2099

In addition to probably improving flavor by eliminating dirt and other contamination, you have nothing to lose by taking the time to clean the strawberries correctly. However, if you dip your strawberries with vinegar or salt in cold water, you may want to make sure you adjust a timer. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Prolonged exposure to water can make them full of water and dilute their natural sweetness," warns Vickers.

You may also want to limit the number you clean at the same time if you don't finish them in a single session.

"Washing the strawberries before eating them can make them deteriorate more quickly in the refrigerator and lose flavor over time," says the Better life .

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How to store strawberries

A woman taking a strawberry out of the fridge
Istock / Gerenme

To make the most of your fruit is not only to know how to make strawberries cringe. The way you store them can also have a great effect on the duration of their maintenance and their fresh taste. When they are properly prepared, strawberries generally last in the refrigerator for a maximum of 18 days.

"For long -term storage, strawberries can be frozen," says Roberts. "I recommend storing frozen strawberries for up to six months, but there is no risk of food security with longer storage, quality tends to decrease."

Are you worrying so that they've been wrong?

"I recommend storing strawberries in front of your refrigerator in your line of view so that you are less likely to forget them and that you can include them in your diet throughout the week," said Shelley Balls , nutritionist dietitian and nutritionist for Consumer health digest . "To slow down deterioration, you will want to store whole strawberries if you can. If a recipe calls straps, try to cut them near when you serve food for better results."

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Best things to serve with fresh strawberries

woman cutting strawberries
Dusan Petkovic / Shutterstock

Whether they are organic strawberries on the market or freshly picked in your backyard, most people would be suitable that mature red fruit rarely needs everything that is added to be a delicious snack.

"To promote healthy eating habits, I recommend rinsing strawberries when you go home or shortly after your schedule allows, so that they can be an easy option to turn when you start to feel hungry" , advises Balls. "Sometimes you just have to wash products away from some people and to foods less rich in nutrients such as fries."

Fortunately, strawberries are also incredibly versatile and go well with a variety of food.

"Combine strawberries with a stick of mozzarella cheese, or your favorite nuts for a balanced and dense nutrient snack or aperitif," she suggests. "For a tasty dessert, you can serve them with a custard sauce, soak them in the chocolate fondue or use them as a garnish or garnish for cakes, cheese cake, pastries and pies - my favorite is Strawberry and rhubarb!

You can also add them to salads for a sweet and tangy touch, or throw sliced ​​strawberries in the yogurt, oat flour or cereals for breakfast.

"I love include them on cold cuts served with soft cheeses such as brie, goat cheese or ricotta," adds Balls. "And let's not forget, they can be used in a variety of smoothies, cocktails or as a simple garnish for drinks."

Conclusion

It is not uncommon to wonder: "How to wash strawberries in the right way?" Whether you plan to store or eat them immediately, experts say that the best method is to eliminate damaged or mold of the group and rinse strawberries in cold running water for about a minute. You can then soak them in cold water with baking soda, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or salt water before rinsing them once again and drying them.

Cleaning strawberries makes them not only sure to eat, but can also help them last longer in your refrigerator by eliminating mold and bacteria. In this way, you can count on delicious fruits available for a healthy snack or an easy fresh ingredient for the days to come.


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