How to Wash Berries Correctly
It seems like there’s nothing easier than washing berries, but still, some of them have very tender skin and require gentle treatment.
5-Minute Crafts is telling you how to wash berries correctly and sharing the nuances of washing the most popular types.
Where to store berries right after purchasing them
If you plan to eat or use berries within 24 hours after purchasing them, then leave them on the table covered with something. Otherwise, store the berries in the fridge to keep them from spoiling quickly. In such conditions, blueberries and strawberries can last for 5-7 days, and blackberries and raspberries, for 3-5 days.
Berries can be stored in their original plastic container. The ones in which most berries are sold are good for storing in the fridge. If you store berries in your own container, arrange them in one layer and leave a crack in the lid for air to circulate.
Store berries in the fridge until you are ready to eat them or use them for cooking. Take only the amount that you need. Berries easily absorb water, so if you wash them and then put them in the fridge, they can become moldy or soften.
How to wash berries correctly
The overall sequence of actions is quite simple:
- Place the berries in a colander.
- Rinse them gently under cool running water.
- Transfer the berries from the colander to a flat surface.
- Dry them with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
However, this method of washing is more suitable for sturdy berries whose skin can withstand the pressure of running water. Soft berries with tender skin will likely require the soaking method that we are going to tell you about below.
How to wash strawberries
Strawberries are firm, sturdy berries whose skin can withstand the pressure of running water. Therefore, you can wash them in the way described above.
If you worry that running water won’t be able to remove all the bacteria and pesticides from strawberries, try using a saltwater bath. For each cup of warm water, add a teaspoon of salt and let it dissolve. Then let the water cool, soak the berries in it for a few minutes, then rinse them under running water.
How to wash raspberries
Raspberries’ flesh is very tender and easily absorbs liquid, which is why it’s recommended to wash these berries as gently as possible.
- Fill a large bowl with cold water.
- Drain the berries in a colander and dip them into a bowl of water.
- Transfer the berries onto a flat surface.
- Gently dry them with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
How to wash blackberries
Though it might seem that blackberries have thicker skin than raspberries, still, these are very tender berries and they should be washed as gently as possible.
You can gently rinse the blackberries under a low-pressure tap or place them in a bowl of cold water and rinse them gently with your hands. In addition, soaking the berries in salt water in a ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water is also suitable for blackberries. This will help remove small larvae that may be hiding inside the berries.
How to wash blueberries and bilberries
Bilberries and blueberries should be washed depending on their condition. If the skin is sturdy and firm, place them in a colander and wash them under the running water. If the skin is soft and tender, rinse them like raspberries.