Effective Ways to Extend the Freshness of Strawberries

Why Strawberries Spoil Quickly

Strawberries are delicate, juicy fruits with a high water content, making them vulnerable to mold and rapid spoilage. After being picked, they continue to ripen and deteriorate. Proper storage techniques can help maintain their freshness longer and preserve their delicious flavor.

Steps to Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer

Inspect Before Storage

Check for any bruised, moldy, or soft strawberries and remove them immediately to prevent them from spoiling others.

Avoid Washing Until Ready to Eat

Moisture encourages mold, so refrain from washing strawberries until you're ready to consume them.

Use a Vinegar Soak (Optional)

To kill bacteria and mold spores, soak strawberries in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for about 5-10 minutes. Dry them thoroughly before storing.

Store in the Refrigerator

Place strawberries in a single layer inside a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Store them in the fridge's crisper drawer, where the temperature stays between 32-36°F (0-2°C).

Leave the Caps On

Keeping the green caps on helps prevent the strawberries from drying out and spoiling faster. Only remove the stems when you're ready to eat them.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage