How to wash cherries the right way — and what most people get wrong

They’re sweet, juicy, and perfect for summer — but are you really washing your cherries the right way? Most people just rinse them under water, unaware that cherries can carry pesticide residue, bacteria, and even microscopic parasites.

Photo: flickr.com by INRA DIST, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Черешня

Because of their smooth skin and small size, cherries require a bit more care than you might think. The good news? You can clean them thoroughly with just a few kitchen staples.

If you usually just run water over your fruit, you might be missing hidden contaminants — especially wax coatings and farm-related residues.

These effective ways to wash cherries help reduce risk without affecting taste or texture.

Best cherry-washing methods

Myth or truth?

• Myth: A quick rinse is enough
  Truth: Many contaminants need soaking or natural cleaners.
• Myth: Warm water works better
  Truth: It softens the skin and may speed up spoilage.

FAQ — what people ask

• Should I remove the stems before washing?
  No — keeping the stems protects the cherry from water absorption.
• Can I use dish soap?
  Absolutely not. It’s not safe for food contact and can leave residue.
• Are small black spots a problem?
  Not always — rinse with vinegar and check the inside before tossing.

Interesting fact: A 2022 study found that 80% of store-bought cherries have a nearly invisible wax layer — and only 15% of shoppers know it’s there. That’s why plain water isn’t enough.