The Truth About Worms in Strawberries: Are They Actually Harmful?

The Truth About Worms in Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits, known for their sweet juicy taste and vibrant red color. However, in recent years, some disturbing videos have surfaced on social media showing tiny worms crawling out of strawberries after they've been soaked in salt water.

Understandably, these videos have left many people horrified and concerned about the safety of eating strawberries. But are these worms really as harmful and widespread as the videos imply? Let's take a closer look at the facts.

Where Do the Worms in Strawberries Come From?

The worms found in some strawberries are actually the larvae of the spotted wing drosophila fruit fly. The adult flies lay their eggs inside ripe fruit through tiny holes or cracks in the skin. The eggs then hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit flesh, causing the fruit to rot faster.

The spotted wing drosophila is native to Asia but has spread to Europe, North America, and beyond as an invasive pest species. It affects many types of soft-skinned fruit crops, especially berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

While the presence of larvae in fruit is certainly unsightly, it does not necessarily mean the fruit is unsafe to eat. The worms are merely trying to feed and survive.

Are Worms in Strawberries Widespread?

Despite what viral social media videos may imply, worms in strawberries are not extremely common. One study from the University of Florida found that only about 5% of sampled strawberries had larval infestations.

The infestation rate can vary based on the strawberry cultivar, the farm's growing practices, and the time of year. Strawberries that are organic or sustainably grown often have less pest damage than conventional berries.

So while it is possible to encounter an occasional worm, it is unlikely that every berry in a particular box or carton will be infested. Proper post-harvest sorting and handling processes help ensure only high-quality, worm-free berries make it to consumer shelves.

Are Worms in Strawberries Harmful if Eaten?

Rest assured that accidentally ingesting a small worm or larva from fruit is not harmful to human health. The worms do not carry diseases or pose any toxic danger.

In fact, according to food safety experts, it's safe for humans to accidentally consume bugs in many foods. The FDA allows a certain amount of natural defectives like insects, rodent hairs, and mold in foods.

For berries, the FDA defect action level is up to 60% of the fruit by count to be infested with larvae and/or discolored from rotting. As long as the worms are not intentionally added, berries with a few larvae are still considered safe and legal to sell.

How to Remove Worms from Strawberries

If you want to inspect berries for worms and remove any you find before eating, there are a few methods you can use:

• Soak in saltwater - The popular TikTok method will cause worms and eggs to emerge, which you can then rinse off.
• Inspect with a magnifying glass - Look closely at any potential entry points like cracks or crevices.
• Freeze or cook - Freezing for 24 hours or cooking berries will kill any worms or eggs inside.
• Buy resistant varieties - Look for strawberry varieties described as resistant to spotted wing drosophila.

However, keep in mind that removing worms is purely optional and not mandatory for food safety. Eating a few accidentally is normal and harmless.

Storing Strawberries to Limit Worms

Proper storage is important for keeping strawberries fresh and limiting pest damage, whether from worms or mold. Follow these tips:

• Avoid washing until ready to eat - Washing makes berries prone to mold.
• Store in original container in the fridge - Keep berries chilled at 32-34°F.
• Eat within 3-5 days of purchase - Consume berries quickly for best quality.
• Inspect fruit before eating - Look for signs of spoilage like mold.
• Remove moldy or damaged berries - Prevent spread of decay to other berries.

Are Organic Strawberries Less Prone to Worms?

Organic strawberries and other organic produce are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fungicides, fumigants, or chemical fertilizers. Does this make organic fruit less likely to have worms?

There is some evidence that organic strawberries harbor fewer pests than conventional berries. A study in the journal Nature found 18% less pest damage in organic vs conventional strawberry fields.

The reasons are not fully understood but may include:

• No pesticide resistance - Pests have not adapted to organic pest control methods.
• More biodiversity - Organic farms support more natural predators.
• Healthier plants - Slow-release organic fertilizers improve plant defenses.

However, organic does not mean worm-free. Organic berries can still become infested, especially as an invasive species like the spotted wing drosophila spreads. Proper monitoring and management practices are still required on organic farms.

Should You Avoid Conventional Strawberries?

While organic strawberries may have fewer pest problems overall compared to conventional berries, that does not mean conventional berries are unsafe or should be avoided.

The use of synthetic pesticides and fumigants in conventional farming helps control worms, mold, and other defects to meet FDA standards. And as mentioned earlier, accidental consumption of a few worms is not harmful.

The most important things are to buy from reputable growers, inspect berries upon purchase and before eating, wash when ready to eat, refrigerate promptly, and consume within a few days of purchase. Following these tips will give you tasty, safe berries, whether conventional or organic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people soak strawberries in salt water?

Soaking strawberries in salt water is a popular trick on social media to get worms and bugs to emerge from inside the berries. The saltwater irritates and draws out any small worms or insect larvae hiding within the fruit. However, keep in mind this practice is not necessary for safety and will also draw moisture from the berry flesh.

Can you eat strawberries with worms in them?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat strawberries that happen to have a few worm larvae or other small bugs in them. As long as the worms were not intentionally added after harvest, they do not pose any health risks or toxicity if accidentally consumed.

What do strawberry worms turn into?

The small white worms commonly seen in some strawberries are the larvae of the spotted wing drosophila fruit fly. They turn into adult flies that are about 2-3 mm long and orange-brown in color, with red eyes and transparent wings with black spots. The adult female flies then lay eggs inside ripening berries to continue the lifecycle.

Are the worms in strawberries harmful to dogs?

No, the small fruit fly worms found in some strawberries are not toxic or harmful to dogs if accidentally ingested. As with humans, dogs can safely eat berries that may happen to have a few larvae without health risks. Of course, moderation is still advised when feeding fruit to dogs.

How can you keep worms out of strawberries naturally?

To help deter worms in berries without synthetic pesticides, there are some natural options. Floating row covers and tightly woven netting can keep adult flies from reaching the fruit. Natural insecticides like neem oil, spinosad, pyrethrin, or Bacillus thuringiensis can kill larvae. Trapping adult flies helps reduce breeding. And planting companion plants like flowers and herbs may repel pests.

Should I rinse strawberries with vinegar?

Vinegar is sometimes recommended as a fruit wash to kill any mold, bacteria, or pesticide residues on produce. However, vinegar can degrade the texture and flavor of delicate berries. Simply rinsing strawberries under cool running water right before eating is usually sufficient. Soaking them or using vinegar is unnecessary.

Do frozen strawberries have bugs?

Freezing strawberries will kill any live worms or insect larvae inside the berries, along with eggs. However, the dead worms will still remain frozen inside the fruit. For this reason, some people prefer to wash or soak fresh berries in saltwater first before freezing, to draw out and rinse away any dead bugs.

Why are strawberries soaked in milk?

Some people advocate soaking strawberries in milk for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and eating them. The milk is claimed to draw out toxins, pesticides, and dirt from the surface and pores of the fruit. However, this practice is unnecessary. Simply rinsing berries under cool water is sufficient to clean them before eating.

Can you eat knotted strawberries?

Deformed strawberries with a knotted or twisted shape are safe to eat. The odd shape is usually caused by growing conditions that lead to fused fruit, not pests or contamination. However, any leaky, damaged, or mushy areas should be trimmed, as they can harbor mold.

Why are there white spots on strawberries?

Tiny white or grayish dots on the outside of strawberries are usually spider mite eggs. Spider mites are a common pest that suck juices from fruit cells, leaving dots of dead tissue on the skin. Rubbing the dots with your finger can help distinguish mite damage from residue. Mites are harmless if eaten.

Is it normal for strawberries to have holes?

It's common to occasionally find small holes, splits, or cracks in the skin of strawberries. This natural cracking happens as the berries swell and ripen. Cracks allow entry points for pests like worms though, so berries with holes should be inspected closely or avoided if worms are a concern.

What are the tiny moving bugs on strawberries?

Tiny moving or crawling bugs found on the surface of strawberries are likely sap beetles or fruit flies. Sap beetles feed on overripe or damaged fruit. Fruit flies lay eggs inside ripe fruit. Neither bug poses a hazard if eaten accidentally, but infested berries should be avoided if possible.

Are bugs attracted to strawberries?

Yes, many types of insects are attracted to strawberries and other soft fruits. Ripe strawberries produce volatile chemicals that attract pests like fruit flies, sap beetles, and spotted wing drosophila flies. Good sanitation, screens, appropriate pest control, and proper storage help limit bug problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.