I Soaked My Strawberries in Salt Water—Then Tiny White Things Started Wriggling Out

Strawberries look innocent enough sitting in a bowl. But one simple kitchen experiment can reveal something most people would rather not see.

After soaking strawberries in salt water, some people have reported seeing tiny white, worm-like creatures emerge from the fruit. So what exactly are they—and should you be worried?

🍓 What Are the Tiny White Things?

They are most likely larvae of the spotted-wing drosophila, a small fruit fly known scientifically as Drosophila suzukii.

Unlike many fruit flies that prefer damaged or overripe fruit, spotted-wing drosophila can lay eggs in healthy, ripening soft-skinned fruits. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries can all be affected.

The larvae are extremely small and pale, which makes them difficult to notice while they’re inside the fruit.

🪰 How Do They Get Inside Strawberries?

Female spotted-wing drosophila have a specialized, serrated ovipositor that allows them to pierce the skin of ripening fruit and deposit their eggs beneath the surface.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed inside the fruit as it continues to ripen. This is why you may not notice anything unusual when you first pick up a seemingly perfect strawberry.