Fresh strawberries are one of the most loved fruits around the world. They are naturally sweet, rich in vitamin C, packed with antioxidants, and enjoyed in everything from smoothies to desserts. Every now and then, however, videos appear online showing tiny white creatures coming out of strawberries after the fruit is soaked in salt water. Seeing these videos can be surprising and may leave many people wondering whether strawberries are still safe to eat.

The good news is that there is usually no need to worry. Food experts explain that what people are seeing is often a completely natural occurrence. Learning what these tiny creatures are and how to clean strawberries properly can help you enjoy this delicious fruit with peace of mind.

The tiny white organisms sometimes found inside strawberries are commonly identified as fruit fly larvae. Fruit flies are naturally attracted to ripe fruit and may lay eggs on or near the surface while the berries are still growing in the field. Because strawberries have a soft texture and many tiny openings around their seeds, they can occasionally provide a place where these insects develop before the fruit is harvested.