Should you throw them away?
That depends more on your stomach than your safety:
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If the texture is fine: If the berries are still firm and look good, a thorough rinse after the salt soak will remove most of the larvae. You can eat them perfectly fine after that.
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If they are mushy: Sometimes a high concentration of larvae can make the fruit soften or spoil faster. If they’ve lost their structural integrity, it’s better to compost them.
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The “Peace of Mind” factor: If you can’t get the image out of your head, there’s no shame in tossing them—but now you know that nearly every strawberry you’ve ever eaten likely had a few “hidden guests.”
Would you like some tips on how to properly wash produce to keep it fresh for longer?
