Should strawberries be soaked in salt water?

Generally speaking, strawberries need to be soaked in salt water. The detailed explanation is as follows:

During their growth, strawberries may come into contact with pesticides. Soaking them in salt water can help remove some pesticide residues, making the strawberries safer and healthier. Dust, dirt, or other impurities may adhere to the surface of strawberries; soaking in salt water helps clean off these impurities. Salt water has a certain bactericidal effect and can kill some harmful microorganisms on the surface of strawberries, thereby extending their shelf life.

Add an appropriate amount of table salt to clean water, stir well until the salt is completely dissolved. The concentration of the salt water should not be too high; a mild salt solution is generally recommended to avoid damaging the strawberries. Place the strawberries into the salt water, ensuring they are fully submerged. The soaking time shouldn't be too long; generally, 5–10 minutes is recommended. After soaking, thoroughly rinse the strawberries with running water to remove residual salt water and impurities.

However, note that soaking for too long may cause strawberries to absorb excessive water, making them soft and affecting their texture. Avoid using highly concentrated salt water, as it might damage the strawberries and impact their quality and taste. Washed strawberries should be consumed promptly to avoid spoilage due to prolonged storage.