Is it safe to eat the leaves off of a strawberry?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to botanists, the entire strawberry plant, including the leaves, stems, and fruit, is considered edible and non-toxic. This means that for anyone asking, 'is it safe to eat the leaves off of a strawberry?', the answer is a resounding yes, provided they are properly washed.

Quick Summary

Strawberry leaves are edible, non-toxic, and packed with nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. They can be consumed fresh or dried, reducing food waste and offering additional health benefits. Proper cleaning is essential before eating.

Key Points

Edible and Nutritious: Strawberry leaves are entirely safe and contain beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Zero-Waste Opportunity: Consuming the leaves helps reduce food waste, making use of the entire berry.
Wash Thoroughly: Always wash strawberries and their leaves well, especially if non-organic, to remove pesticide residue and dirt.
Creative Culinary Uses: From smoothies and herbal tea to infused water and sauces, there are many ways to enjoy strawberry leaves.
Be Mindful of Allergies: Those with known strawberry allergies should avoid consuming the leaves to prevent a reaction.

Yes, You Can Eat Strawberry Leaves

Despite common practice, the green, leafy tops of strawberries are not only safe to eat but also full of nutritional benefits. For years, most people have discarded the tops without a second thought, but embracing this zero-waste approach can add an earthy, herbaceous flavor and a nutritional boost to your meals and beverages.

Are Strawberry Leaves Nutritious?

Strawberry leaves are surprisingly nutrient-dense. They contain a higher concentration of certain compounds compared to the fruit itself, offering significant health perks.

Antioxidants: The leaves are rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Vitamins and Minerals: You can find notable amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, and magnesium in the green tops.
Tannins: The leaves contain tannins, which have astringent properties and can help with digestive issues, including nausea and upset stomach.

How to Prepare Strawberry Leaves for Consumption

Before you start adding strawberry leaves to your diet, proper preparation is key. This is especially important for conventional strawberries, which are often treated with pesticides.

Select Fresh Leaves: Choose fresh, green, and vibrant-looking leaves. Avoid any that are brown, yellow, or wilted.
Wash Thoroughly: Wash the strawberries, including the tops, under cool, running water. You can also soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar to help remove any lingering pesticides.
Dry Completely: Pat the berries and leaves dry with a paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
Enjoy: Eat the leaves along with the berry or use them in one of the creative ways listed below.

Culinary Uses for Strawberry Leaves

For those hesitant about the texture or taste of raw leaves, there are many ways to incorporate them into your cooking to reap their benefits.

Smoothies: A simple and effective way to use the leaves is to blend the entire strawberry, tops and all, into a smoothie.
Infused Water or Beverages: Add the tops to a pitcher of water for a subtle, earthy flavor. You can also infuse spirits like gin or vodka with strawberry tops for a unique twist on cocktails.
Herbal Tea: Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a soothing herbal tea that can aid digestion.
Salads: Toss freshly washed and chopped leaves into salads for an herbaceous note.
Sauces: Blend the leaves into sauces like pesto or chimichurri to add a fresh, leafy dimension of flavor.
Vinegars: Infuse vinegar with strawberry tops to create a flavorful dressing for salads.

Comparison of Raw vs. Dried Strawberry Leaves


Feature	Raw Strawberry Leaves	Dried Strawberry Leaves
Flavor	Fresh, earthy, and mildly herbaceous	Milder, more concentrated herbal flavor
Texture	Slightly fibrous, similar to spinach	Brittle and easily crumbled
Best For	Eating whole with berries, adding to salads, or blending into smoothies	Making herbal teas and infusions for long-term storage
Preparation	Thorough washing required to remove dirt and potential pesticides	Requires drying (air-dry, oven, or dehydrator) before storing or use
Nutrients	Contains higher levels of some vitamins like Vitamin C compared to dried	Some nutrients may be reduced, but tannins and other compounds remain potent

Potential Considerations

While strawberry leaves are safe to consume for most people, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Pesticides: As mentioned, strawberries are on the "Dirty Dozen" list, meaning they often carry high levels of pesticide residue. Opting for organic strawberries or ensuring a very thorough wash is crucial if you plan to eat the leaves.
Allergies: For those with strawberry allergies, consuming the leaves could trigger a reaction. It is wise to exercise caution, especially for those with severe allergies.
Flavor and Texture: Some individuals find the taste and texture of raw leaves unappealing. In this case, using them in blended or infused recipes is a great alternative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eating the leaves off of a strawberry is completely safe and offers some notable nutritional benefits, including a healthy dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. While the texture and earthy flavor may not appeal to everyone in its raw state, there are numerous creative ways to incorporate them into your cooking to reduce food waste and enhance your diet. By simply giving them a good wash, you can enjoy this often-overlooked part of the berry, whether in a refreshing herbal tea, a nutrient-packed smoothie, or a flavorful infused water.

For more information on food safety and preparing produce, you can visit the USDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, strawberry leaves are not poisonous. The entire strawberry plant, including the leaves and stems, is edible and safe for human consumption.

Strawberry leaves have a mild, earthy, and slightly herbaceous flavor. While some people enjoy the taste, others may find it slightly bitter, which is why they are often used in blended or infused recipes.

Yes, it is preferable to eat organic strawberry leaves. Strawberries are on the 'Dirty Dozen' list of produce with high pesticide residue, so choosing organic or washing conventional berries thoroughly is crucial if you plan to eat the tops.

Absolutely. Adding strawberry leaves to a smoothie is a great way to boost its nutritional content. Simply toss the washed, whole berries, including the leaves, into your blender along with your other ingredients.

To make strawberry leaf tea, steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. This creates a soothing herbal tea that can aid digestion. You can add honey or lemon to taste.

Yes, strawberry leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contain high levels of polyphenols and tannins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and digestive-aiding properties.

Yes, children can eat strawberry leaves, provided they are properly washed and the child does not have a strawberry allergy. As with any new food, it is best to introduce a small amount first to see how they react.

You can eat the entire strawberry, including the red flesh, the small seeds on the outside, the green leaves (or calyx), and the stem.

There are no known side effects from consuming strawberry leaves for most people, but those with strawberry allergies should be cautious. Always start with a small amount if you have a sensitive stomach.