I soaked my strawberries in salt water and these white things wriggled out?.

 Do You Need to Worry?

Not always. Here’s what to know:

 Safe to Eat After Cleaning (Usually)

If the bugs come out and you rinse the strawberries well, the fruit is generally safe to eat — as long as:

The strawberries don’t smell bad.

They aren’t slimy or mushy.

They look and smell fresh after rinsing.

 Don’t Eat If:

There is a strong fermented or rotten smell.

The fruit is very soft or leaking liquid.

You see mold or spoilage.

In those cases, it’s better to throw the fruit away.

 Best Ways to Clean Strawberries (Optional)

Even though salt water works, here are other gentle ways:

Cold Water Rinse: Swirl strawberries in cold water for a minute, then drain.

Vinegar Solution: Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water — soak for a few minutes, then rinse well. This helps remove bacteria and surface bugs.

Brush Under Running Water: Gently rub with your fingers to remove dirt or debris.

 Why This Happens More With Strawberries

Strawberries have tiny seeds and textured skin, which makes it easier for insects to get in and lay eggs. Fruit with smooth skin (like grapes) tends to have fewer trapped insects, so you see fewer worms when washing them.