Are strawberry leaves safe to eat raw? A Guide to Edible Greens

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to scientific estimates, the antioxidant content in strawberry tops is about six times that of the berries themselves. This remarkable fact highlights that, yes, strawberry leaves are safe to eat raw and offer a hidden nutritional punch many people discard without a second thought.

Quick Summary

Strawberry leaves are edible and non-toxic, providing a nutritious source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals when consumed raw or cooked. Proper washing is essential to remove any contaminants before enjoying their earthy, herbaceous flavor in various dishes and beverages.

Key Points

Edible and Nutritious: Strawberry leaves are safe to eat raw and offer more antioxidants than the fruit itself.
Thorough Washing is Key: Due to pesticide residue, always wash strawberry leaves thoroughly before consumption, especially if not organic.
Earthy and Herbaceous Flavor: The leaves have a mild, earthy, and slightly astringent taste, not resembling the fruit's sweetness.
Culinary Versatility: Raw leaves can be added to smoothies and salads, while dried leaves can be used for teas or infused liquids.
Rich in Health-Boosting Compounds: They contain polyphenols, tannins, and essential vitamins and minerals like C, A, K, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Generally Safe with Precautions: While safe for most, monitor for allergic reactions or digestive sensitivity, especially when consuming larger quantities.

The Clear Verdict: Yes, They Are Safe

For decades, many people have instinctively removed the green leafy tops and stems from strawberries before eating, preparing, or baking them. The habit stems from a common misconception that these parts are inedible or even toxic. However, this is simply not true. The entire strawberry plant, including the leaves, stem, and fruit, is safe for human consumption. Incorporating the whole berry into your diet is a simple and effective way to reduce food waste while simultaneously boosting your nutritional intake.

Surprising Nutritional Benefits of Strawberry Leaves

Beyond being a safe and edible part of the plant, strawberry leaves are a nutritional powerhouse. While the red fruit is celebrated for its vitamin C content, the leaves contain significantly higher concentrations of other beneficial compounds.

Rich in Antioxidants: The leaves are loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help combat free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. This may contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Strawberry leaves contain a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K. They are also a source of important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Support for Digestive Health: The presence of tannins in the leaves can help with digestive issues. Historically, they have been used in herbal remedies to soothe stomach cramps, aid digestion, and alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and nausea.

How to Prepare and Consume Strawberry Leaves Raw

Proper preparation is key, especially since strawberries are often on the "Dirty Dozen" list of produce with high pesticide residue.

Select Fresh, Healthy Leaves: Look for green, vibrant leaves without any brown or withered spots. The freshest leaves offer the best flavor and nutritional value.
Thoroughly Wash: Hold the strawberries under cool running water and gently rub the leaves to remove any dirt or residue. For added peace of mind, you can soak the berries in a 50/50 water and vinegar solution for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Pat Dry: Use a paper towel to pat the strawberries dry before use.

Creative Ways to Use Strawberry Leaves

Once cleaned, the raw leaves are versatile and can be used in a number of delicious ways:

Blend into smoothies: Toss the whole, cleaned strawberry, leaves and all, into your blender for a boost of nutrients. The earthy flavor is subtle and complements the berry's sweetness.
Add to salads: Finely chop fresh strawberry leaves and toss them into a green salad to add a unique, herbaceous flavor and texture.
Infuse water or beverages: Place a handful of clean leaves in a pitcher of water with some sliced strawberries for a refreshing infused drink. The leaves can also be used to infuse liquor like gin or vodka for custom cocktails.
Make pesto: Just like basil, strawberry leaves can be a base for a unique pesto. Combine them with garlic, olive oil, and nuts for a savory sauce.

Raw vs. Cooked: A Comparison

While the focus here is on consuming them raw, strawberry leaves can also be used in cooked or prepared forms. The method of preparation can slightly alter their flavor and nutritional profile.


Feature	Raw Strawberry Leaves	Cooked Strawberry Leaves (e.g., Tea)
Flavor	Fresh, herbaceous, slightly astringent, and earthy.	Subtler, more mellow flavor; dried leaves in tea have a delicate, green tea-like taste.
Nutritional Profile	Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are preserved in their most potent state.	Some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C may be reduced, but other compounds are still present.
Texture	Fresh and slightly fibrous, adding a bit of structure.	Softened and not a factor, as the liquid is consumed after steeping.
Culinary Uses	Smoothies, salads, infused water, pestos, garnishes.	Herbal teas, syrups, infused vinegars.

Precautions and Potential Side Effects

Though safe for most people, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Allergic Reactions: As with any food, an allergic reaction is possible. Individuals with known allergies to strawberries should be cautious.
Medication Interactions: Strawberry leaves may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and medications for blood pressure or diabetes. It's always wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially when taking prescription drugs.
Digestive Upset: Eating a very large quantity might cause mild digestive upset for some individuals due to the fiber content. Pets like dogs may experience this more easily and should be given leaves sparingly.

Conclusion: Don't Waste the Tops

The next time you are preparing strawberries, consider the possibilities before tossing the leafy tops. These small greens are not only safe to eat raw but also offer a unique flavor profile and a significant nutritional boost, particularly in antioxidants. By incorporating the entire strawberry into your diet, you reduce waste and gain access to a host of health benefits. Whether blended into a smoothie, tossed in a salad, or infused into a refreshing beverage, strawberry leaves are a delicious and beneficial part of the fruit that is worth saving from the compost bin.

Sources

Better Homes & Gardens. Can You Eat Strawberry Leaves? Published September 09, 2025.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH). Berry leaves: An alternative source of bioactive natural products of nutritional and medicinal value. Referenced in AOL.com article, February 06, 2025.
Greatist. The Berry Sweet Benefits of Strawberry Leaves. Published June 27, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing happens if you accidentally eat strawberry leaves. They are not poisonous and are perfectly safe to eat, though they have a different taste and texture than the fruit.

The taste of raw strawberry leaves is often described as earthy, herbaceous, and slightly bitter or astringent. While not sweet like the berry, they can add a unique flavor to dishes.

Yes, adding strawberry tops, including the leaves and stem, to your smoothie is a great way to boost its nutritional content and reduce food waste. Just be sure to wash them well first.

Yes, both the stems and green leafy tops of strawberries are edible. The entire strawberry, from top to bottom, is safe for consumption.

Strawberry leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals (calcium, iron). Their anti-inflammatory properties may also benefit cardiovascular and digestive health.

Both raw and cooked strawberry leaves have benefits. Eating them raw preserves all heat-sensitive nutrients, while cooking or steeping them, like in tea, extracts beneficial compounds like tannins.

While strawberry leaves are not toxic to dogs, they can cause digestive upset in large quantities. It is best to give them to dogs sparingly or remove them to be safe.