How To Wash Cherries To Remove Dirt and Pesticides, According to an Expert

When we buy fresh cherries in the season, it is so tempting to collect them immediately because they just look so good. But we know that we should at least rinse them in the sink before we eat them.

No matter how delicious you look, don’t eat cherries without washing them, says Changmou XUPhD, assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaid and member of the Department of Fruit and Vegetable Products of the Institute of Food Technologists.

“Washing cherries is of crucial importance for food safety and quality, since it eliminates dirt, pesticides, bacteria and chemical impurities,” says Xu. “Cherries can accumulate dust and debris during transport. Organic cherries can also have natural residues or approved pesticides, which requires rinsing.”

Washed, as he emphasizes, also reduces the risk of food diseases such as E. coli and salmonella.

Rinse cherries well

Fortunately, cherries are easy to clean. The easiest way to wash them is to rinse them under cold, flowing water. Just put them in a colander and gently wipe them with your hands as you rinse.

“Avoid soaking cherries too long because they can absorb water and become mushy,” says Xu. “A quick rinsing usually is enough to eat it safely, but these additional steps help you to stay as clean and fresh as possible.”

The US Agriculture Ministry Recommends against the use of products, soaps or cleaning agents because you could be unsure if you swallow some residues. If you want to remove more residues, you can soak them in a solution of a teaspoon of baking powder per two cups of water. But fast water rinsing is just as effective and more practical, says XU.

Don’t wash cherries immediately

Wait to wash cherries until you are ready to use them. “Moisture inserts too early, which can create an environment for mold growth and lead to a faster spoilage,” says XU. “Keeping them dry and unwashed in the refrigerator helps to get their freshness for a longer period of time.”

But if you wash them in advance, you should dry them thoroughly. Use a salad spinner lined with paper towels or dab them dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which keeps it longer.

Storage cherries in the fridge in a breathable container or loose covered with a paper towel, XU suggests. Skip airtight containers because you can catch moisture, which can promote mold growth. If you hold the stems, you can stay fresher longer.

What to do with additional cherries

If you have more cherries than you know what to do, you should freeze them. Spread it in a layer on a baking sheet and freeze it. Then transfer them to a freezing pockets.

“Cherries can either be completely or come up with what they do perfectly for smoothies, baking or jams,” says Xu. “Drying cherries or transforming them into canned goods, syrups or compotation are excellent opportunities to extend their user -friendliness and at the same time reduce food waste.”

If you have forgotten a few cherries in the sharper drawer, make sure you pass the touch and smell test before eating them. “Cherries that have become bad have a soft, mushy or shrunk texture. Mold or white fuzz on the skin is a clear indication of spoilage,” says Xu. “When cherries start leaving juice or developing an acidic, fermented smell, they are no longer safe to eat.”