As far as I am concerned, there is really nothing more satisfying than a bowl of ripe, sweet strawberries and fresh cream to start the day on the right note. Unfortunately, ripe berries tend to go bad just days after you purchase them, which is expensive, frustrating and a complete waste of good food. Fortunately, there are a few methods to help keep your strawberries fresh throughout the week—and beyond, here are some easy-peasy ones that work.
How to Store Strawberries
When stored properly in the refrigerator using one of the methods listed below, your strawberries should stay fresh for up to one week. But always examine your berries for mould and other signs of spoilage before storing them.
How To Store Whole Strawberries
- Air-tight glassware: Transfer unwashed strawberries into a glass food storage container and make sure it’s sealed tight.
- Paper towel method: Place a clean, dry paper towel in a container and put unwashed strawberries on top. Close the lid and place the container in the refrigerator.
- Rinse with vinegar: Soak strawberries in a vinegar solution (one-part white vinegar and three parts water) for a few minutes. Then drain them, pat them dry, and place them on a clean paper towel in a glass container. Loosely place the lid on and store in the refrigerator.
How To Store Cut Strawberries
If you pre-cut your strawberries before storing them, any of the above methods will work, alternatively, you can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Bear in mind however, that once strawberries are washed and cut, they will deteriorate more quickly than whole, unwashed berries, and generally only last three to four days in the refrigerator.
Storing Strawberries In The Freezer
Strawberries can be frozen in almost any form—whole, halved, sliced, or even crushed. To freeze pre-cut the berries and place them cut-side down on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze the strawberries for a few hours, then place them in an air-tight container and put it back in the freezer. When using this method, frozen strawberries should stay fresh for about 10 to 12 months.
To thaw frozen strawberries, transfer them from the freezer to the fridge for at least six hours. You can also defrost strawberries by running them under cold water for at least 30 minutes, or by placing them in a bowl within a larger bowl that’s filled with cold water. This method takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
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