Bye-bye pesticides: expert tips to wash summer berries
CNN reports that popular summer berries—blackberries, strawberries and blueberries—can carry pesticide residues, including some systemic pesticides that can’t be washed off; to cut surface residues, soak berries in a baking-soda solution (about 1 teaspoon per 2 cups water) for 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on berry type (blackberries/raspberries 30–60 seconds; strawberries 30–60 seconds; blueberries 1–2 minutes), then rinse with cool water and dry. A vinegar rinse (1 part white vinegar to 3–4 parts water) is another option. Organic or US-grown berries tend to have lower exposure, and raspberries generally show fewer residues. The article lists several pesticides of concern (e.g., cypermethrin, bifenthrin, malathion, acetamiprid, carbendazim, fludioxonil) and notes that while surface pesticides can be reduced, some systemic pesticides remain, reinforcing the value of washing before eating and considering organic choices when possible.
