Help Strawberries Stay Fresh for Longer After You Buy Them  

Help Strawberries Stay Fresh for Longer After You Buy Them

A recent sale on strawberries a few days ago was just so good that you had to buy a bunch — but today you’ve noticed mold growing on some of your berries. The speed at which berries soften and develop mold is frustrating, but there are strategies you can use to make the berries last a little longer and lose less to rot over time.

Strawberries rot and mold quickly for a multitude of reasons. One reason they’re likely to mold is that they’re really moist fruits that often end up in situations with poor airflow.

With droplets of water from condensation, natural moisture in the fruit, and a closed container, you’re more likely to experience rapid growth of mold spores. Once mold begins to form, spores multiply and your berries go bad before you can enjoy them.

Another reason mold spores grow quickly on strawberries is that they come damaged in their original packaging. Damage to berries occurs during the picking, packing, shipping, and shelving processes. Inspect your berries before you purchase to determine when they’ll likely turn and go old.

One step you can take to prevent the berries from going bad is to watch the moisture they’re exposed to. Don’t wash the berries right away, unless you’re going to eat them right away. This best help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them recipe is essential to extend the longevity of the life of your berries.

Instead, remove them from their plastic containers and place them in a glass container with a paper towel lining the bottom. When you place the lid on the container, don’t close it completely; leave it so that a little air can get in and out. Then, if you’re not using the berries in the next few hours, place the container in the refrigerator on the upper shelf.

Why You’ll Love This Method

• Storing your berries in a glass jar lined with paper towel is simple, yet extremely effective.
• It only requires a few minutes to transfer your berries to a container that helps preserve and save your berries much longer.
• Most mason jars and glass jars are suitable for storing berries, so long as you have lids that fit!
• This method is a quick help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them recipe.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

If you want preserved strawberries without the hassle of storing fresh berries, you can opt for frozen, packaged berries. These berries last longer, although you can also freeze your own strawberries at home (check out our tips on storing berries below). Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are available in the frozen section at most grocery stores and chains.

If you do not have any glass containers or mason jars available, you can also store your strawberries in Tupperware or plastic containers. It’s recommended to poke a few small holes in the container’s lids to allow for airflow and circulation of air when storing them in the refrigerator. This will help keep them preserved without completely exposing them to other fruits and foods in your refrigerator.

If you do not have paper towels available, try alternating with paper napkins. It’s best to use paper towels for maximum absorption of moisture before placing your berries in the fridge.

How to Make It

Step 1. Once you’re ready to use the berries, wash them. This easy help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them for beginners recipe only requires a few minutes. Many people like to use produce washes, but you can also dunk the berries in a bowl filled with water and white vinegar with a 3:1 ratio.

Step 2. Swish the berries around a bit in your wash mixture and then let them sit in the mixture for a minute or two.

Step 3. Drain and rinse the berries completely. Be sure to rinse any mixture you use to avoid spoiling the taste of your strawberries.

Step 4. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 5. Once they’re completely dry, use them immediately or place them in a clean container with a paper towel in a single layer, covered with a loose lid. Place them back in the fridge on the upper shelf. With the right homemade help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them ideas, you’ll have the ability to preserve and save your strawberries much longer.

Tips for Success

When using this family friendly help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them guide, store strawberries in a single layer with paper towels in each jar or glass container. This reduces contact between berries. Using a single layer of berries in each glass jar reduces the risk of premature molding.

Storage

Can I store strawberries on the counter?

Uncut strawberries can sit on the counter for a bit; some estimates range from a few hours to a few days. While placing the strawberries on your counter may last a few hours or days, it’s unpredictable. It is best to store them in your refrigerator in a glass jar lined with paper towel. This is especially important if your strawberries are already ripe or if they appear damaged.

Placing your berries in the refrigerator also helps reduce the risk of premature molding and attracting insects.

Serving Suggestions

This healthy help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them version is perfect for berry lovers, bakers, and those who can’t get enough of fruit!

Consider using your strawberries in our delicious strawberry cobbler, a Southern strawberry punch cake, or even in the best strawberry brownies! For a simple help strawberries stay fresh for longer after you buy them meal, you’re in the right place.

FAQs

Can I freeze my strawberries?

If you want to buy a lot of strawberries because they’re on sale, you can also learn to freeze them. After a few days, when you notice the berries starting to fade (or even right after you buy them), you can wash them if you haven’t already, dry them, and then freeze them.

Slice them or freeze them whole. First, place them in a single layer on a tray and let them freeze for about an hour. Then you can pour them directly into a freezer container. The initial freezing helps prevent them from freezing together like a lump of strawberry concrete in the freezer container.

Notes

Some fruits, like apples and strawberries, give off ethylene gas. This gas accelerates ripening and can make the berries become overripe quicker than you’d like. Store berries and fruits like apples away from each other in the refrigerator.