Raspberries must be washed carefully before being eaten! Using water is a relatively quick way to get rid of surface dirt and make sure you do a general cleaning. However, if you are looking for a more effective method, you can try using a vinegar-based solution, which should remove any spores or mold that may be present.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Wash the Raspberries with Water
Step 1. Fill the sink with water
Make sure the sink is large enough to fit a colander or sieve into it. If not, try using a large bowl or pot. The water level should also be high enough that you can coat the raspberries once you put the colander or sieve inside.
Throw away any moldy or mushy raspberries
Step 2. Put the raspberries in the colander creating a single layer
This way, you will minimize the pressure exerted on the fruit. If you overfill the colander, you risk bruising the raspberries or making them mushy.
Step 3. Place the colander in the water
Make sure that the berries are completely submerged in water in order to wash them effectively.
Step 4. Shake the raspberries in the water
This will help you remove all grime residue from the fruit. However, it is very important to carry out the procedure carefully, as otherwise you risk bruising the berries. You can use your hands or a delicate utensil, such as a silicone spatula.
Step 5. Remove the strainer from the water
Let the water flow naturally from the raspberries. If you shake the colander, you risk bruising or damaging some berries.
Step 6. Place the raspberries on a paper towel lined baking sheet
Avoid throwing them all together on the baking sheet. Instead, arrange them gently and be sure to distribute them over the entire surface. At this point they will be ready to be frozen, put in the fridge or eaten immediately.
Method 2 of 2: Use a Vinegar Based Solution and a Salad Spinner
Step 1. Prepare the solution
It should consist of 3 parts of water and 1 part of white vinegar. The vinegar will eliminate any spores or bacteria that may be forming on the surface of the raspberries. This will prevent the berries from molding, which would make them inedible.
- The solution container should be large enough for you to insert the raspberries without stacking them.
- Vinegar will not get rid of mold that has already formed on raspberries, so discard any that are now moldy.
Step 2. Put the raspberries into the solution by gently arranging them with your hands
Do not throw them all together inside, otherwise they may get bruised. After you've sorted them out, you can shake them gently from time to time to get rid of any dirt and grime from the surface of the berries.
Step 3. Remove the raspberries from the solution and place them in a salad spinner lined with paper towels
Make sure you do this gently and treat a small handful of raspberries at a time. Use a delicate utensil, such as a plastic spoon, to prevent possible bruising.
Step 4. Gently spin the raspberries
This will ensure that you remove the vinegar solution well. If even a small trace of it remains, it is likely that you will perceive the taste. Do this step gently, but also meticulously.
If you are concerned that vinegar will remain on the raspberries, then you could rinse them very gently in the juicer itself using tap water
Step 5. Remove the raspberries from the juicer and place them in a container
Take the cleaned raspberries and place them in a bowl to serve or in a bag to freeze them. If you're going to keep them in the fridge, spread them out on a paper towel-lined plate to create a single layer.
Advice
- All the actions indicated in this guide must be performed with great care, as raspberries are an extremely delicate fruit, just like all other berries. If they are handled incorrectly, both the intensity of the flavor and the shape of the berries will immediately be affected.
- If possible, it is always best to wash raspberries just before eating them. Excess water left by washing can make them soft over time.
