Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but when washing strawberries, many people habitually remove the strawberry stem. Actually, this is not scientific. This article will explain why you should not remove the strawberry stems when washing strawberries and the health effects of doing so.
First, let's get to know strawberry stalks. A strawberry peduncle is a small section of stem at the top of a strawberry fruit that is usually green or yellowish in color. It connects the strawberry fruit to the main body of the plant and provides nutrients to the fruit. During the growth process, the strawberry stem is able to protect the fruit from dirt, pesticide residues, etc.
So, why don't you remove the strawberry stems when washing strawberries?
1.Prevent pesticide residues from entering the fruit. Strawberry stems reduce the risk of pesticide ingestion by blocking pesticide residues from entering the fruit. If strawberry stems are removed during washing, pesticide residues may come into direct contact with the pulp, increasing the risk of pesticide ingestion.
2.Keep the fruit intact. Removing the strawberry stems makes the fruit more susceptible to damage during the washing process, leading to nutrient loss. Keeping the strawberry pedicle intact protects the fruit and retains its nutritional value and taste.
3.Reduces bacterial contamination. The strawberry stem is able to block the entry of external bacteria into the inside of the fruit, thus reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Removing the strawberry stems will make the fruit more susceptible to bacterial contamination during the washing process.
Since there are so many benefits to keeping strawberry stems, what should be done when washing strawberries?
1.First, gently rinse the surface of the strawberries with running water to remove dirt and some pesticide residues from the surface.
2.Then soak the strawberries in clean water for 1-2 minutes to further remove pesticide residues and bacteria.
3.Finally, rinse the strawberries with running water again to ensure that pesticide residues and bacteria are completely removed.
In conclusion, keeping the strawberry stem when washing strawberries can reduce pesticide residues, keep the fruit intact, and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Therefore, it is best not to remove the strawberry stems when washing strawberries. If you accidentally remove the strawberry stem, it is recommended to take extra care to clean it when soaking and rinsing to ensure food safety.