How to Reduce the Risk
To minimize the chance of encountering larvae:
Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Soak in salt water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water) for 5–10 minutes.
Rinse again in clean water.
Refrigerate promptly, as cold temperatures slow egg development.
You can also inspect berries carefully and discard overly soft or damaged ones.
A Reminder About Fresh Produce
Finding larvae can feel unsettling, but it’s also a reminder that strawberries are a natural product grown outdoors, exposed to insects and the environment. Perfect-looking fruit doesn’t always mean insect-free — and small insects are part of agricultural ecosystems.
