How to Wash Raspberries (Without Squashing the Delicate Fruit)

If you're looking to brighten up a dish, you can't go wrong with fresh raspberries. The red-pink berries are sweet, tart, and delightfully juicy. The only catch: Fresh raspberries are extremely delicate, so it's imperative to wash them with care. Otherwise, the fruit can easily deteriorate before you get a chance to eat them. Ahead, we spoke to food experts to learn how to wash raspberries so they stay together, along with tips for gently drying them.

Why You Need to Wash Raspberries

Raspberries can carry pests, parasites, debris, and dirt, says Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered.  What's more, some of these contaminants might not be visible or obvious to the naked eye. Therefore, it's crucial to wash raspberries before eating or using them in dishes, even if they appear clean.

How to Wash Raspberries

Always inspect raspberries before washing them and remove stems, leaves, or damaged berries, says Trung Vu, chef instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

When you're ready to wash raspberries, Vu suggests this method:

1. Place the raspberries in a colander, taking care not to overcrowd them. If you need to wash a large quantity, do so in batches.
2. Briefly dunk the colander in a bowl of cold water.
3. Gently swirl the raspberries with your hands to help remove dirt.
4. Lift the colander and let the excess water drain.

How to Dry Raspberries

Since excess moisture can make raspberries spoil quickly, it's important to dry them after washing. According to Vu, here's how to do it without damaging the fragile fruit:

1. Line a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Arrange the raspberries, positioning each one top side down on the towels. Avoid swirling the baking sheet, as raspberries on their side will stay waterlogged and become mushy.
3. Let the raspberries dry for five minutes.
   

When to Wash Raspberries

Avoid washing raspberries until you're ready to use them, says Vu. Otherwise, if you wash the berries before putting them in the refrigerator, the excess moisture will speed up spoilage, says Le. This may also further shorten the lifespan of the raspberries, which already have a short shelf-life, says Vu.  

Tips

Wash Your Hands First: To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, always handle raspberries with clean hands. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

Don't Overcrowd Raspberries While Washing Them: Remember, raspberries are fragile fruits. When washing the berries in a colander, avoid overcrowding them, as the weight of multiple layers could crush the raspberries, says Vu.

Use White Vinegar: Washing raspberries in diluted vinegar can clean them even further, notes Le. To do this, prepare a 3-to-1 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar in a bowl, then submerge the colander of raspberries in the solution. Let sit for about one minute, then run under a gentle stream of cold water for 30 seconds.

Avoid Washing Raspberries With Soap: Never use soap to wash raspberries, as it can introduce contaminants. The FDA also recommends avoiding commercial produce washes, as more research is needed to determine their safety and effectiveness.  

Use a Clean Towel: "A clean towel or new paper towel should be used to dry raspberries," says Le. This will ensure the berries aren't re-contaminated with germs or debris.  

Wash and Dry Raspberries Before Freezing: Once frozen and thawed, raspberries will become soft, making them difficult to wash. Thus, it's best to wash them before freezing. Be sure to fully dry raspberries before putting them in the freezer, as extra moisture can increase the risk of clumping and freezer burn.