Best Way to Store Strawberries

Strawberries are deliciously sweet, nutritious, and great to eat on their own or in a scrumptious cake. If you’re a super fan of strawberries, we recommend trying our strawberry cobbler or our Southern strawberry punch cake (we think it’s absolutely incredible).

Strawberries are extremely versatile and can be used in drinks, cobblers, cakes, and even brownies. You can also use them as toppings on your favorite type of ice cream!

However, there’s not much worse than bringing home a pint of fresh summer strawberries only to have it spoil a day later. So, how do you store fresh strawberries so that they last the longest? These homemade best way to store strawberries ideas should help you protect and preserve your berries the next time you stock up.

Knowing the best best way to store strawberries recipe will save time and plenty of money, especially if you have kids in the home or if you’re a lover of all berries, like me! Prepping my strawberries has been a game-changer in my household. And I no longer dread purchasing strawberries out of fear that they will spoil overnight.

Keep reading for handy tips on storing strawberries to keep them fresh and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Guide

• It’s simple and to the point. No fuss and no muss.
• You only need a few traditional household items to help with the storage of your strawberries.
• You can store your strawberries safely in a matter of minutes after bringing them home from the grocery store.
• This method can also be used for various berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and even blackberries, although it’s ideal for strawberries.

Instruction Notes and Substitutions

This easy best way to store strawberries for beginners is straightforward and to the point. Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you can take this on without a hassle!

If you’re bringing strawberries home from a farm, you can keep them on the counter for a day or so, but it’s recommended to store them as quickly as possible. Although many store-bought varieties of strawberries come in aired containers, it’s best to use your own.

If you do not have any paper towel available to line your airtight containers or jars, consider using paper napkins.

If you don’t own mason jars or another glass container for your strawberries, you can opt for traditional Tupperware or airtight containers with breathability. These are best so your strawberries have some form or airflow.

Instead of tightening the lid on your strawberries once they’re placed into a glass or mason jar, only slightly close the lid for some airflow.

The Best Ways to Store Strawberries

For immediate eating – If you are planning to eat fresh strawberries later on the same day you purchase theme, there is no better way to store them and preserve their vibrant flavor than at room temperature on the counter.

For eating later – If you have no plans to eat fresh strawberries the day you bring them home, then it’s best to preserve their freshness by storing them in the fridge. Stored properly, strawberries can last in the fridge for up to 1 week without going bad.

To store strawberries in the fridge and keep them from molding, you need to make sure they are kept cold and dry.

• Line a glass bowl with a clean paper towel and place your unwashed strawberries over the paper towel in an even single layer. This is the simple best way to store strawberries meal ingredients.
• Cover with a tight lid or plastic wrap for up to 1 week.
• Once ready to eat, remove the strawberries from the fridge and wash them before eating.

Try my Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle!

Tips for Success

When it’s time to eat strawberries you want to make sure to give them a proper wash to remove any dirt, insects, or pesticides potentially used on the crop.

The most effective way to wash strawberries is to run them under cold water to dislodge any dirt and debris. Then, soak them in vinegar for up to 20 minutes before rinsing them again with cold water.

Storage of Strawberries

For long-term storage

If you want to keep your strawberries from going bad for longer than a week you will need to freeze them. Frozen strawberries are not the best for fresh eating, but are excellent in smoothies, yogurt, or baked goods.

To freeze strawberries properly,

• Clean and slice the strawberries into quarters or halves, removing the stem.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the strawberries in an even layer.
• Freeze for 30 to 60 minutes until the berries are frozen solid and then transfer the frozen strawberries to a resealable freezer bag.

Try my Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas!

Serving Suggestions

Serving and enjoying freshly-cut and preserved strawberries is delicious with this pineapple lemon drink. If you’re feeling extra snazzy, you can try our Granita, a lemon-based sorbet, perfect to pair with strawberries in the summertime. If you can’t get enough of the fruit in your home, especially during hotter months, try our orange creamsicle milkshake with your berries!

Storing Strawberries FAQs

Can I store strawberries in a mason jar?

For storing in the fridge, an airtight container such as a mason jar is an ideal choice. Make sure the mason jar is clean and dry before adding unwashed strawberries and sealing. Place in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

What is the best container for storing strawberries?

Any clean, dry airtight container will work well for storing strawberries in the fridge. This family friendly best way to store strawberries will allow you to get the most out of your berries year-round. Try to choose a large container that won’t overcrowd the strawberries during storage. You can also use breathable containers once lined with paper towel.

Should you store strawberries in water?

No. Strawberries are best kept cool and dry during storage. Increased moisture can lead to premature rotting and mold.

Will strawberries ripen after being picked?

Unlike tomatoes or peppers, strawberries will not continue to ripen once they are picked. Make sure you are choosing only the freshest ripest strawberries you can find.

How can I tell if my strawberries have gone bad?

Visually inspect the strawberries for any dark, moldy, or soft spots. Rotten strawberries will also give off a pungent, sometimes vinegary smell.

Notes

You can try using glass mason jars or airtight containers when you’re trying this quick best way to store strawberries recipe. Some prefer to leave the lid on a mason jar slightly loose for some airflow, while others prefer to strictly stick with airtight containers. See what works best for you when using a paper towel to line your jars or containers.

SAVE THIS GUIDE ON PINTEREST FOR LATER 🙂