I soaked my berries in salt water and saw these white wiggling things come out. Should I just throw them away?

What Are Those White Wiggling Things?

Those small, white larvae are most likely fruit fly maggots, commonly from a species known as the spotted wing drosophila. Unlike typical fruit flies that lay eggs on overripe or rotting fruit, these flies can lay eggs inside fresh, ripening berries. The larvae hatch inside the fruit and remain hidden until something—like salt water—forces them out.

Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are especially vulnerable because of their soft skins.

Why Does Salt Water Make Them Come Out?

Soaking berries in salt water (usually about 1–2 teaspoons of salt per cup of water) creates an inhospitable environment for the larvae. The salt draws them out of the fruit as they try to escape the solution. This method is sometimes recommended as a way to clean berries more thoroughly.

However, it also reveals what would otherwise go unnoticed.