How to Wash Summer Berries to Remove Pesticide Residues

 Summer Berries May Contain Pesticide Residues: How to Wash Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries Safely

Summer berries such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are popular because of their nutritional benefits, but some may also contain pesticide residues, according to findings highlighted in a 2026 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

The report, known as the 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, places strawberries, blueberries and blackberries among the fruits that consumers may want to pay closer attention to when buying and preparing fresh produce.

The guide also lists other commonly eaten foods, including cherries, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, nectarines, kale and spinach.

The EWG bases its rankings on pesticide testing conducted by the US Department of Agriculture. However, the presence of pesticide residues does not automatically mean that food is unsafe. US regulators establish limits for pesticide residues, while health experts continue to examine the possible effects of long-term exposure to multiple chemicals.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pesticide exposure during pregnancy and childhood may be associated with health and developmental concerns. Researchers have also investigated possible links between certain pesticides and other health conditions.

Washing Can Reduce Some Pesticide Residues

Experts say washing fresh produce can remove dirt, bacteria and some pesticides that remain on the surface.

However, not all pesticide chemicals can be removed through washing. Some are absorbed into a plant's tissues as it grows, meaning ordinary washing cannot effectively eliminate them.

Peng Gao, an environmental health researcher at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, explained that contact pesticides may be reduced through proper washing, while systemic pesticides absorbed by the plant are more difficult to remove.

Buying organic produce may reduce exposure to some synthetic pesticide residues, although organic foods should also be washed before eating.

Baking Soda and Vinegar May Help

A review published in April 2026 examined 47 studies investigating different ways of washing fruits and vegetables.

The findings suggested that soaking produce in baking soda or vinegar solutions could reduce certain pesticide residues more effectively than using water alone.

Researchers reported a median reduction of about 50% across the pesticides and produce examined when baking soda or vinegar was used. Water washing produced a lower median reduction of approximately 30%.

These figures do not mean that every pesticide can be removed by half. Results vary depending on the fruit, chemical and washing method.

How to Wash Berries Properly

Experts recommend using a mild baking soda solution for certain fruits and vegetables, followed by a thorough rinse under cool running water.

For most produce, the suggested mixture is one teaspoon of baking soda in two cups of water. However, delicate berries require a shorter washing process.

Here are the suggested methods:

1. Blackberries

Blackberries can generally withstand a brief soak. A 30- to 60-second dip in a baking soda solution may help remove some surface pesticide residues.

After soaking, rinse them thoroughly under cool running water and dry them carefully with a clean towel to reduce moisture and spoilage.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries have a firmer outer skin than some other berries. Experts suggest a short soak of around one to two minutes in a baking soda solution.

Rinse them well with cool water and dry them before storage or consumption.

However, some pesticide residues found in blueberries are systemic, meaning washing cannot effectively remove them once absorbed into the fruit.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries require extra care because some pesticide residues may be absorbed into their tissues.

Rather than soaking them for several minutes, experts recommend a brief 30- to 60-second dip in a baking soda solution, followed by a thorough rinse.

It is also important to remove the green leafy tops only after washing. Removing them beforehand can expose the flesh and allow water or dissolved residues to enter the fruit.

4. Raspberries

Raspberries generally appear lower on pesticide-residue rankings than several other popular berries, according to the EWG guide.

Nevertheless, they should still be washed before eating.

A brief dip in a baking soda solution, followed by a gentle rinse and careful drying, can help remove some surface residues.

Important Food Safety Tips

The US Food and Drug Administration recommends washing fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing or eating them, including produce that will be peeled.

Consumers should also avoid using soap, detergent or commercial household cleaning products on fruits and vegetables.

For berries, washing them shortly before eating is advisable because excess moisture can encourage spoilage.

Although washing can reduce some surface pesticide residues, it cannot guarantee that all chemicals have been removed.

Choosing a varied diet, washing produce properly and following food safety recommendations can help consumers make informed decisions about the fruits and vegetables they eat.

Sources: "CNN Health" (https://abc17news.com/cnn-health/2026/06/09/summer-berries-can-be-full-of-pesticides-learn-the-best-ways-to-wash-them/), "Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health" (https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/want-berries-with-fewer-pesticides-heres-how-to-wash-them/), "UCLA Fielding School of Public Health" (https://ph.ucla.edu/news-events/news/cnn-summer-berries-can-be-full-pesticides-learn-best-ways-wash-them) and "Environmental Working Group (EWG)" (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php).