Cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but they can also be a bit of a pain to wash.
The skin of cherries is often covered in pesticides and other chemicals, and it can be difficult to get them all off just by rinsing them under water.
In this article, we’ll show you how to wash cherries properly so that you can enjoy them safely and without worry.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to store cherries so that they stay fresh for longer.
Should You Wash Cherries Before Putting In The Fridge?
Here’s the answer: don’t wash your cherries before refrigerating them.
Although it might feel counterintuitive not to cleanse your fruits straight after purchase, there’s a valid reason for this recommendation.
Why You Shouldn’t Wash Cherries Before Storing?
Cherries are known for their delicate nature which makes them susceptible to moisture damage.
The hollow at the stem-end of each cherry tends to retain water from washing, and trying to dry this area completely is quite a challenge.
This lingering dampness creates an ideal environment for mold or rot formation which ultimately ruins these delightful fruits.
When to Wash Your Cherries
Instead of washing your cherries immediately after purchase or before storing them, you should rinse them just before consumption or using them in a recipe.
This way, you minimize the contact time between water and cherry whilst ensuring they’re clean before you enjoy their sweet-tart goodness.
Storage Protocols For Maximum Freshness
Alongside avoiding pre-storage washing, here are additional steps to ensure your cherries stay fresh for longer:
1. Use an Uncovered Container or Bag: Storing your cherries in an uncovered container or bag allows for good air circulation which aids in preserving their freshness.
2. Avoid Piling Things On Top: Cherries bruise easily due to their delicate nature thus avoid stacking anything on top of them in your fridge.
How To Wash Cherries With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural cleanser that’s great for removing dirt and chemical residues from your cherries.
Here’s how to leverage its cleaning power in five simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Start by filling a large bowl with cold water.
The amount of water should be enough to submerge all the cherries you plan on washing.
Then, for every two cups of water you’ve used, add one teaspoon of baking soda.
Stir the mixture gently until the baking soda fully dissolves into the water.
Step 2: Soak Your Cherries
Next, place your cherries in the baking soda solution ensuring they’re completely submerged.
Let them soak for about fifteen minutes.
This soaking time allows the baking soda solution to penetrate any surface dirt or residues present on your cherries.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
After fifteen minutes, remove your cherries from the solution and transfer them into a colander.
Run fresh cool water over them for about a minute ensuring all remnants of the baking soda solution are completely rinsed off.
Step 4: Dry Your Cherries
Finally, gently pat your clean cherries dry using a clean towel.
And just like that, your cherries are ready – clean, safe, and ready for consumption!
How To Clean Cherries With Salt
One effective way to rid your cherries of dirt and chemical residues is by using saltwater, a readily available option in most households.
Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Saltwater Solution
Begin with a large bowl filled with cold water.
For every 4 cups (0.95 L) of water, add in about 2 tablespoons (34g) of standard table salt.
Once the salt has been added, swish them together to dissolve the salt completely in the water.
Step 2: Soak Your Cherries
Next, add your cherries into this saline solution ensuring they are fully submerged.
Allow them to soak for around fifteen minutes.
The soaking process will loosen up and dislodge any residual dirt, grime or chemical residue clinging to the surface of your cherries.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
After the soaking time has passed, take out your cherries from the salty solution and move them into a colander.
Under clear running water, rinse your cherries for about a minute ensuring all traces of salt are completely washed away.
Step 4: Dry Your Cherries
The final step involves patting down your clean cherries with a clean towel until they are completely dry.
This avoids any excess moisture promoting decay or mold growth if you plan on storing them for later use.
How To Clean Cherries With Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, aside from its numerous health benefits, possesses natural cleansing properties that make it an effective method to wash your fresh cherries.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you effectively clean your cherries using apple cider vinegar:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Start by filling a large bowl with cold water.
For every four cups of water, add one cup of apple cider vinegar.
Stir this mixture gently until it’s fully combined.
Step 2: Soak Your Cherries
Next up, immerse your cherries into the vinegar solution ensuring all of them are submerged.
Let them bathe in for about fifteen minutes.
This period allows the acidic nature of the apple cider vinegar to act upon and remove surface dirt and chemical residues on your cherries.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Once the soaking time elapses, transfer your cherries into a colander and rinse them under running fresh water for about a minute.
This rinsing process is crucial to wash off any residual vinegar solution and any loosened dirt or grime.
Step 4: Dry Your Cherries
Lastly, pat down your clean cherries with a clean towel until they’re thoroughly dry.
How To Clean Cherries From Worm
Cherries can sometimes harbor unwanted pests like worms.
However, there’s an effective and simple way to ensure your cherries are worm-free.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Preparing Your Solution
Start by filling a large bowl with water.
To this, add citric acid, white vinegar or baking soda – any of these ingredients work effectively to exterminate worms or larvae in cherries.
If these aren’t available, you can resort to using salt water, but keep in mind that this might slightly alter the taste of your cherries.
Step 2: Soak Your Cherries
Immerse your cherries into the solution ensuring they’re fully covered and allow them to soak for about fifteen minutes.
This soaking time is crucial as it enables the solution to penetrate the outer layer of the cherries and kill off any existing worms or larvae while also removing dirt, residual pesticides or other unwanted substances.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
After the soaking time has lapsed, transfer your cherries into a colander and rinse them under fresh running water.
This step ensures all remnants of the initial cleaning solution along with any dislodged impurities are washed away.
How To Store Cherries
Cherries are delicate and due to this delicate nature, cherries require proper care and storage to maintain their freshness and prolong shelf life.
Here’s the best way to do it:
Storing Fresh Cherries In The Refrigerator
Unsurprisingly, the refrigerator is the ideal spot for your cherries.
However, there are certain steps you can take to optimize this storage method:
Step 1: Skip The Washing:
It might seem counterintuitive to store unwashed fruits.
However, washing your cherries before refrigeration can leave lingering moisture which promotes mold growth or rot.
Therefore, always wash your cherries just before eating or using them in a recipe.
Step 2: Use An Uncovered Container Or Bag: Placing your cherries in an uncovered container or bag allows air circulation which helps keep them fresh.
Stored properly following these two steps – skipping pre-storage washing and using an uncovered container – fresh cherries should maintain their pristine condition for at least a week in the fridge.
Freezing Cherries For Longer Shelf Life
For those who want to extend the cherry season beyond its regular time span, freezing is an excellent option.
This method maintains most of the fruit’s quality and guarantees you have a supply of this summer treat all year round:
Step 1: Wash And Dry The Cherries: If you’re planning on freezing your cherries, they should be washed thoroughly and dried completely before proceeding.
Step 2: Pit The Cherries: While not mandatory, this step can save a lot of time when it comes to using the frozen fruit later on.
Step 3: Freeze On A Baking Sheet: Arrange your cleaned, dried and pitted (if preferred) cherries in single layer on a baking sheet then place them in the freezer for at least two hours.
Step 4: Transfer To Freezer-Safe Bags – Once frozen solidly, transfer your cherries into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing as this can help prevent freezer burn.
When done correctly – washed and dried thoroughly beforehand then sealed properly – you can enjoy crisp-fresh frozen cherries for up to one year!
