saniflush strawberries

Never again will I buy strawberries at the grocery store.

I generally buy them at the Farmers’ Market or at one of the roadside stands in the country but a few days ago I was having fresh strawberry withdrawal and I was in the supermarket and the produce guy was putting out fresh sparkling red strawberries.

I bought a carton and brought them home. As I cut off the stems, I noticed an odd smell — faintly strawberry-like, but perfumey. I rinsed them extra well, then popped a few in my mouth. They did not taste like strawberries at all. I have never tasted saniflush, but if I ever did, I am sure it would taste like those strawberries.

I put the carton in the fridge and meant to take them back to the store to complain, but didn’t get around to it. Days later, the strawberries looked just as new and unshrivelled as when I bought them.

I went to the Farmers’ Market today and bought myself some real strawberries. These ones are such a dark red that they’re nearly black. And some have bruises and soft spots. And they taste marvellous.

Author: Marsha

I write historical fiction, mostly from the perspective of young people who are thrust in the midst of war. View all posts by Marsha