How to wash cherries the cleanest

When cleaning cherries, it is recommended to first rinse the surface dust with running water, then soak in light salt water or edible alkali water to remove pesticide residues, and finally rinse with clean water.

1. Rinse with running water

Place the cherry in a strainer and rinse repeatedly with running water to remove surface dust and some pesticide residues with the help of water flow. Be careful not to rub vigorously to prevent damage to the fruit peel. It is recommended to rinse for about two minutes, with a focus on cleaning the concave areas of the fruit stem that are prone to hiding dirt.

2. Soak cherries in salt water

Prepare diluted salt water at a ratio of 5 grams of salt per liter of water, and soak the cherries for 10-15 minutes. Salt can help break down fat soluble pesticides and also drive away fruit fly larvae that may be present in the flesh. After soaking, gently stir to allow the salt water to fully contact the fruit surface, but avoid excessive shaking that may cause the fruit stem to fall off.

3. Alkaline water treatment

Soak in 1% concentration baking soda water for 8-10 minutes. Alkaline environment can accelerate the degradation of organic phosphorus pesticides. This method has a significant effect on cherries with a thick wax layer on the surface, but after soaking, it needs to be thoroughly rinsed with water to avoid residual alkali solution affecting the taste.

4. The rice washing water fermented for 24 hours is weakly acidic and contains starch particles that can adsorb impurities. Soaking cherries in rice washing water and gently stirring can soften dirt and maintain the luster of the skin, making it suitable for handling batches of cherries. Finally, rinse with clean water.

5. Specialized Cleaning

For cherries that are directly consumed, fruit and vegetable cleaning agents can be used to assist in cleaning. Choosing products with natural coconut oil derivatives is safer. Prepare a solution according to the instructions, soak for no more than 5 minutes, and rinse repeatedly with running water at least three times after cleaning to ensure no residue.

After cleaning, cherries should be drained of water and stored in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume them within 24 hours. If the skin becomes sticky or the flesh softens, it should be discarded immediately. When making daily purchases, it is advisable to prioritize cherries with fruit stems. A full green stem indicates high freshness. Avoid using household cleaning agents such as detergent for cleaning, as their chemical components may penetrate the fruit pulp. For special populations such as pregnant women and children, it is recommended to remove the skin for safer consumption. Cherry pits contain trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide, and attention should be paid to spitting out the pits when consuming them.