How to keep strawberries fresh – that is the question! Nothing beats eating a perfectly ripe strawberry on a hot summer day. The sweet, floral smell says summer. But fresh strawberries can be pricey, and it’s frustrating to buy a pint of ripe strawberries only for them to spoil in a day or two. So, the question is: How do you store strawberries to stay fresh and not end up in the trash (or compost) after just a few days? More: Best chickpea salad recipes
How to keep strawberries fresh: Steps
Thoroughly wash the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries well. I use kosher salt. Add a few tablespoons of kosher salt to a large bowl of filtered water and dissolve it. Let the strawberries soak in this solution for at least 5 minutes.
Choose your cleaner: You can also wash strawberries using other cleaners like vinegar, essential oils, or any fruit and veggie wash you prefer.
Gently clean the berries: Gently agitate the strawberries in the water to remove as much dirt and debris as possible without damaging them.
Rinse and drain: Rinse the berries thoroughly under clean running water. Place them in a colander to drain.
Discard bad berries: Throw away any berries that are starting to wilt or get moldy.
Prep the berries: Remove the stems and cut off the tops of the berries you won’t eat.
Dry the strawberries: Let the washed and prepped strawberries drain and dry. I use a wire rack with paper towels on top. You can also use a clean kitchen towel, but be aware that the berries will stain it. Make sure the berries dry as much as possible.
Store in an airtight container: Place the dry strawberries in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom. Seal with an airtight lid. I prefer using glass mason jars.
Refrigerate: Store the prepped strawberries in the refrigerator. If the strawberries are fresh, they can last 7-10 days following these steps. If they are not very fresh to begin with, they won’t last as long but will stay fresh longer than if left untreated. More: Heal your life: The empowering philosophy of Louise Hay
Keep them fresh longer
Fresh berries are delicate and spoil faster than most other produce. The main enemies are moldy or wilted berries and moisture. To keep berries fresh longer remove bad berries. Check for and remove any wilted or moldy berries. Cut off the bad parts and use the rest in muffins, strawberry jam, or other recipes.
Remove the stems and cut off the tops. Berries often start to spoil at the top first, so this helps them stay fresh longer. Plus, having them prepped makes it easier to eat or use them in recipes. Soak the berries in a salt or vinegar solution, or use a fruit and veggie wash to remove any bugs.
Rinse the berries well, then dry them completely. This step is crucial to prevent moisture from causing them to spoil. Let them sit on a paper towel-lined rack for 1 to 2 hours before transferring them to a jar. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long, as they will start to wilt. Do not cut the berries into quarters or slices. Keeping them whole helps them stay fresh longer. More: How to master basic cooking techniques for beginners
Best storing method: Vinegar and a salad spinner
Prepare the vinegar solution: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a large bowl.
Soak the strawberries: Dunk the strawberries in the vinegar water bath, then drain them.
Dry the strawberries: Use a salad spinner lined with paper towels to dry the strawberries thoroughly. This helps ensure they are completely dry.
Store the strawberries: Transfer the dried strawberries to a paper towel-lined container. Loosely place the lid on the container without sealing it, and put it in the fridge.
By the end of the week, no berries will be discarded, with only a few dark spots appearing here and there. Thanks to the thorough drying in a salad spinner, the paper towel will remain almost completely dry by day seven. While this method takes time and effort, it’s worth it, especially for large quantities or expensive strawberries. The berries will stay fresh, vibrant, and firm throughout the week, showing practically no signs of spoilage. They will look as if they had just been brought home from the store and will be almost as fresh as on day one. More: How to pick a watermelon?
