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The last days of the strawberry season are upon us, and if you want to make sure that the last few weeks of berry eating are perfect, you need to wash them properly. Strawberries can be sprayed with pesticides which can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Even if you opt for organic strawberries, they still require a good rinse. This is due to the potential presence of soil, bugs or handling residue on them even if they haven't been sprayed. However, strawberries are delicate, and if you try to clean them too aggressively you can bruise the fruit and disrupt the skin.

This is why it's so important to know how to clean your berries properly. While some individuals resort to white vinegar to cleanse their fruit, this can result in an off-putting taste if not rinsed thoroughly.

However, there's a superior method to wash strawberries that will clean them effectively without leaving a strange taste - and you likely already have it at home.

The secret ingredient is baking soda. Baking soda can eliminate pesticide residue and gently clean your fruit without compromising their flavour.

• Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in several cups of cool clean water.

• Add the mixture to a large bowl, then pour your strawberries into the bowl.

• Using your hands, gently swish the strawberries through the baking soda and water mixture.

• Let them soak for around five minutes, then rinse the strawberries clear of any baking soda residue.

• Pat them dry with a paper towel and store in the fridge.

It's vital to keep your fruit dry and refrigerated to prevent mould growth.

Once washed and dried, transfer them to a container lined with paper towels to soak up any excess moisture.

By washing your strawberries thoroughly and correctly, you can make sure they're clean and delicious.

If you're not planning on consuming them straight away, hold off on washing your berries and simply store them in the fridge in their original containers.