fresh raspberries

[Jules001]

Just been out and picked some raspberries from the garden. I brought them in and washed them and drained them, but I can see tiny little beetles crawling around over not in the raspberries and when I try to pick them off, they seem to jump or fly off a short distance, I have washed them and drained them twice now, is there anything I can add to the water to help get rid of them without affecting the taste?

[BBWCHATT]

Jules - you have stumped me with this one:)

If I were faced with the situation, I might mix some lemon juice in the water to wash them again to see if it had any effect.

The only other thing I can think of is a REALLY REALLY weak household bleach and water solution to wash them in - and then wash them many more times after - but I would be afraid it might still affect the taste.

[BBWCHATT]

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/techniques/pests /raspberry_beetle.htm


http://www.land-care.org.uk/science/current_to pics/2005/may2005/gregory_scri_28_05/gregory_s cri_28_05.html


http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/gardeners corner/livechat.shtml

This website says:
Really there is little you can do in that any chemical you might be tempted to use wouldn't be a good idea when the fruit is on the plant. Remove any weeds growing in the area, and hopefully a drier season will mean less of a problem.

[BBWCHATT]

Jules honey - my apologies -

please don't try the household bleach solution!!!

I forget sometimes that you guys don't have the exact same products there that we have here. If you had Clorox Bleach like we have here in the USA, it would probably be safe in a VERY VERY weak solution - but I don't think you guys have it there.

[Jules001]

thanks for your help BBW, in the end I washed them again adding some salt to the water, let them soak for a about 10 mins, spooned off any floating debris and then rinsed and drained them again and all seemed to have gone. So have just enjoyed a lovely meal with a raspberry and strawberry dessert to finish off with.

[BBWCHATT]

Good thinking Jules!!! I didn't even think of salt!!!

I am glad you enjoyed them.

I think after the raspberries are gone you might want to take the advice of some of the experts I found on some of those links I sent you to eliminate the problem at the source:)

BBWCHATT
The old lady in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA