Food enthusiasts are being urged to properly wash their fruit before storing it in the refrigerator. A popular tip shared on social media claims that this method helps berries last longer. Bobby Parrish, known online as 'The Grocery Store Guy,' demonstrated the technique to his 1.8 million TikTok followers.
The Correct Way to Wash Berries
In his video, Bobby explained: 'This is how you properly wash your berries. One part white vinegar to three parts water, soak berries for five minutes, rinse, then let dry before you put in the fridge. Doing this will extend the shelf life of fruit.' The footage showed him washing strawberries and blueberries using this method.
Social Media Reactions
The video quickly gained popularity, earning thousands of likes. One commenter shared: 'Something I've learned in my 50s is to always remove the green part immediately after purchasing. It holds moisture and even more after washing.' Another added: 'Really have to let them dry completely! This works so well.' A third viewer mentioned using baking soda as an alternative.
Expert Advice on Cleaning Strawberries
According to Healthline, the recommended way to clean strawberries is to run them under cool water, gently rub with fingers, drain in a clean strainer, and pat dry with a paper towel. They also note that some people use vinegar for cleaning, and a 2023 study found that soaking strawberries in water with 3% vinegar or a 3% salt solution effectively removes common insecticides.
Nutritional Benefits
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. The NHS states that seven strawberries count as one of your five-a-day portions. The Five A Day campaign, based on WHO advice, recommends eating at least 400g of fruit and vegetables daily to reduce the risk of health issues like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
For those looking to extend the life of their berries, this simple vinegar soak method offers an easy and effective solution.
