The arrival of bright red, juicy strawberries at the farmer’s market is one of the first signs that spring is finally here! Sure, you can get them at most grocery stores year-round, but nothing quite compares to the sweetness and flavor of fresh berries in their peak season. Strawberry season usually begins in spring, around April or May, and lasts until June or early July. It may be a short season, but oh, is it cute!
There are so many strawberry recipes to try, from delicious strawberry shortcake to one of Ree Drummond’s favorite springtime appetizers – easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini. But if you’ve ever come home from the market with a pint of strawberries only to find them moldy just a few days later, food waste can be discouraging. Do you know how to store strawberries at home? Read on for easy tips on washing, storing, and keeping fresh longer.
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Where is the best place to store strawberries?
If you don’t plan to use the strawberries right away, it’s best to store them in the fridge to preserve freshness. Berries only keep for a few days if left uncooled; Stored in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Remember that whole strawberries tend to last longer than sliced ones, and discard moldy berries – you don’t want a bad strawberry spoiling the whole bunch!
The Pioneer Woman Sweet Romance Blossoms 8.8″ Berry Strainer
The Pioneer Woman Sweet Romance Blossoms 8.8″ Berry Strainer
Should strawberries be stored in an airtight container?
It depends. If your berries are whole, storing them in an airtight container could make them mold faster due to the trapped moisture. The best way to store a bunch of whole berries is to place them loosely—in a single layer, if possible—in an open container lined with paper towels. A berry tray or strainer works great for this because it allows air to circulate around the berries! The paper towels absorb moisture so the berries stay nice and dry.
However, sliced or peeled strawberries are different. Strawberries that have been cut should always be stored in an airtight container to prevent the flesh from drying out and allowing bacteria to grow. Berries don’t last nearly as long once they’re sliced, so it’s best to keep them whole for as long as possible.
Washed or unwashed, do strawberries last longer?
To keep berries fresher longer, you should wash them along the way. That means you only wash the strawberries you want to eat right away and leave the rest unwashed. Washing exposes the berries to moisture, and moisture leads to mold.
Can you freeze leftover strawberries?
Yes! The best way to enjoy post-season strawberries is to stock your freezer to the brim. If your fridge is stocked with more fresh strawberries than you can eat, pop them in your freezer to enjoy later. Once you know the best way to freeze strawberries, you can use them in many berry treats like fruity smoothies, homemade pies, and homemade pies!
