Strawberries: Are rumours about sweet fleshy red fruit true?

Sweet and nutritious strawberries, a red fruit packed with vitamin C, have been marred by concerns due to the widespread use of pesticides in their cultivation.

Many concerns have been raised about the health risks associated with consuming strawberries due to the use of pesticides in their cultivation.

According to experts, strawberries are a nutrient-rich fruit that offers numerous health benefits; however, the use of chemicals in their production has sparked debate.

Dr. Kashif Razzaq, an agriculture expert, shared his views on the matter in a recent interview. Speaking during ARY News programme, ‘Bakhabar Sawera’ , Dr. Kashif Razzaq said that pesticides are indeed used in strawberry cultivation, which can be detrimental to human health.

However, he emphasized that the nutritional value and health benefits of the red fruit cannot be ignored.

To minimise the risks associated with pesticide consumption, Dr. Kashif Razzaq recommended soaking strawberries in baking soda solution for 10-15 minutes before consumption.

This method, according to Dr. Kashif Razzaq, can help neutralise the effects of chemicals on the fruit. Alternatively, strawberries can be soaked in vinegar.

In response to a question regarding the use of ordinary plain water to wash strawberries in addition to baking soda or vinegar, he said that like other fruits, they can also be washed with ordinary water and used.