Summer Fruits: How to Clean, Store, and Bake Them
One of the greatest joys of summer is the abundance of fresh, juicy summer fruits. Peaches, plums, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are the best.
But as we fill our kitchens with nature’s candy, a question always comes up: What’s the best way to clean summer fruits to remove pesticides and prevent mold? It turns out there is a right way to do it, and taking a few simple steps can help extend the life of your fruit and keep your family safer.
Summer Fruits: How to Clean Them to Remove Pesticides and Prevent Mold
Whether you’re picking strawberries at a local farm stand, stocking up on peaches at your farmers market, or gathering blueberries and plums for a homemade pie, summer fruits bring sunshine and sweetness to everything from breakfast to dessert.
The Best of Summer’s Fruit Basket
Let’s talk about the fruits of summer, what makes them so special, how to enjoy them, and the best ways to wash and store them to keep them fresher for longer.
Here are just a few of the summer all-stars you’ll want to keep on hand all season long:
1. Strawberries
These bright red berries are typically the first sign of summer, ripening in late spring and reaching their peak in early summer. They’re sweet, juicy, and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
2. Blueberries
These little blue powerhouses are great for your brain and heart health. They’re perfect for smoothies, pies, and pancakes, or just snacking by the handful.
3. Raspberries
Delicate and tart, raspberries tend to spoil quickly, but they’re delicious in yogurt, sauces, and summer cocktails.
4. Peaches
Is there anything better than biting into a perfectly ripe peach? Soft, sweet, and fragrant, peaches are a summer staple. Look for freestone varieties if you want easy pitting for pies or grilled peaches.
5. Plums
Tart, juicy plums come in red, purple, and yellow varieties. They’re great for fresh eating, roasting, or preserving as jam or chutney.
6. Cherries
Whether sweet or sour, cherries are irresistible in crisps, salads, and sauces. Just be sure to pit them before baking.
7. Blackberries
Bigger and often bolder in flavor than raspberries, blackberries are beautiful in cobblers or tossed with mint for a refreshing fruit salad.
8. Melons (Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew)
Refreshing and hydrating, melons are summer’s answer to dessert. They’re also a great way to sneak in vitamins A and C.
Why It’s So Important to Clean Fruit Properly
Fresh fruit is a healthy, wholesome choice, but pesticides, dirt, bacteria, and mold spores can all sneak in with your produce, especially soft-skinned fruits like strawberries and raspberries. Even organic produce can carry mold spores and natural residues.
If you’ve ever brought home a basket of berries only to find them fuzzy with mold two days later, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news? A few simple techniques can significantly improve the shelf life of your fruit and ensure its safety.
The Best Way to Clean Summer Fruits
There are two goals when cleaning fruit:
- Remove pesticides, dirt, and bacteria
- Prevent mold so your fruit lasts longer
Here’s how to do both:
Step 1: Use a Vinegar Bath
A vinegar soak is one of the most effective ways to clean fruit and remove surface pesticides and mold spores.
How to Do It:
- Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts cold water in a large bowl.
- Add your fruit and soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently stir or agitate the fruit so all surfaces are reached.
- Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any vinegar taste.
- Dry thoroughly before storing. You can use paper towels or a clean dish towel to gently pat the fruit dry, or let it air-dry in a colander or salad spinner.
Why this works: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It helps kill mold spores and removes many of the pesticides that water alone won’t touch.
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Step 2: Dry the Fruit Thoroughly
Moisture is the enemy of freshness. If you store wet fruit, it will likely mold faster.
After rinsing:
- Spread fruit in a single layer on a clean towel or baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Let it air dry for at least 15–30 minutes before refrigerating.
- For extra fragile fruits like raspberries, avoid over-handling and let them dry in a mesh strainer.
Step 3: Store Smart
Once your fruit is clean and dry, how you store it matters. Here are a few tips:
For Berries:
- Line storage containers with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Store in ventilated containers (perforated clamshells or glass containers with the lid slightly ajar).
- Don’t wash until ready to use if you’re not using the vinegar method. However, if you’ve done the vinegar soak and dried them thoroughly, you can refrigerate.
For Peaches, Plums, and Other Stone Fruit
- Let them ripen at room temperature in a paper bag.
- Once ripe, move to the refrigerator to extend their life.
- Wash just before eating or cooking.
For Melons:
- Wash the outer rind before cutting to prevent bacteria from transferring to the fruit inside.
- Once cut, store in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 3–4 days.
Bonus Tip: Try a Baking Soda Scrub for Firmer Fruits
For firmer-skinned fruits like plums, apples, or grapes, a baking soda scrub works wonders.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda on the fruit and rub gently with your hands or a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Studies have shown that baking soda can remove more pesticide residue than water alone, especially for apples and grapes.
FAQs: Cleaning and Storing Summer Fruit
Q: Can I use dish soap to clean fruit?
A: No. Dish soap can leave harmful residues and isn’t approved for use on food. Stick with vinegar or baking soda instead.
Q: Do I need to wash organic fruit?
A: Yes! Organic fruit can still carry mold spores, dirt, and bacteria from the farm or market.
Q: Does vinegar leave a taste?
A: Only if you don’t rinse thoroughly. Rinsing well with cold water removes the flavor completely.
How to Use All That Beautiful Fruit
Once your fruit is cleaned and ready to go, here are a few easy and delicious ways to enjoy it.
Summer Fruit Salad
Toss strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and sliced peaches with fresh mint and a drizzle of honey or lime juice.
Peach & Burrata Crostini
Top grilled baguette slices with peach slices, burrata, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Blueberry Protein Ice Cream
In your Ninja Creami, blend Fairlife protein shake, instant pudding mix, and blueberries. Freeze, churn, and enjoy!
Plum Crisp
Toss sliced plums with sugar and cinnamon, top with a buttery oat crumble, and bake until bubbling.
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Alternate chunks of watermelon, peaches, and plums on skewers. Brush with honey and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
My Favorite Summer Fruit Recipes
Here are some of my favorite summer fruit recipes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about summer fruit—sun-warmed strawberries, juicy peaches, tart raspberries, and the burst of a just-picked blueberry. But there’s nothing worse than letting that magic go to waste because of mold or residue.
With just a little extra care using vinegar, water, and smart storage, your fruit can last longer, taste better, and be safer to eat. It’s a small investment of time with a big reward.
So stock up at your local farm stand or grocery store, clean your bounty the right way, and enjoy every sweet, juicy bite of summer.
Serena & Lily Inspired Decor
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