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Having fresh berries on hand is easy when you know how to store strawberries properly and we have found the best method!
Whether they’re on our favorite Fruit Pizza or in our Easy Fruit Salad, we love to eat strawberries!
We Love Strawberries!
The family loves fruit, especially sweet strawberries. And with 6 kids we buy them in bulk. However, disappointment sets in when we find that a large portion of them have spoiled and are unusable after just a day or two.
Over the years we have tried different storage methods to keep the strawberries fresh longer and we are excited to share the results. It’s one of our favorite kitchen tips!
Here’s why you need these tips:
- Money saver. With less spoiled fruit, we save money and waste less!
- Strawberry recipes. We use strawberries in some of our favorite desserts, salads, and even drinks, and the fresher the better!
- An easy process. It isn’t difficult to extend the life of your strawberries, you just need to know the proper methods!
Inspect Before Purchasing
Unlike bananas or peaches, strawberries do not continue to ripen once they have been picked. When choosing, pick up the container of strawberries to ensure they are neither underripe nor overripe, but just ripe.
What to Look For
- Coloring. Ripe strawberries should be uniform red with a green stem. Avoid berries with too much white or green flesh.
- Aroma. Underripe strawberries will not have a fragrance. Berries that are starting to go bad will take on a sour or earthy odor. Ripe berries will have a sweet fragrance.
- Texture. They should be plump and firm and free from mold and soft spots.
Once at home, open the package to look for and remove any spoiled berries that you couldn’t see at the store.
Preparing the Strawberries
- Rinsing. Many people like to rinse their strawberries with water or soak them in a white vinegar bath. It has been my experience that pre-rinsing introduces excess moisture that reduces the shelf life. I suggest only rinsing the amount of berries you plan to use right before preparing them to serve.
- Hulled. Unless you plan to use the strawberries within 1-2 days do not hull (remove the stem) or cut the strawberries. Storing the whole berries with the stems on allows them to last longer.
Which Container to Use
There are 3 container options that work really well:
- Good. Using an airtight container such as a mason jar or plastic container will keep most of the berries fresh for a fair amount of time.
- Better. Use an airtight container lined with a paper towel on the bottom. The paper towel will help absorb any moisture naturally released from the berries.
- Best. A vented container allows airflow and keeps any excess moisture from affecting the berries. Most strawberries purchased at the grocery store come in plastic clamshell containers which is a perfect storage option, or you can purchase our favorite vented containers.
Where to Store
While they will keep for a few hours on the counter they are best when stored in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate strawberries. When properly stored, ripe strawberries should be able to last in the fridge for 3-7 days. A crisper drawer is designed to regulate the amount of moisture and will help keep your fruit fresh. Store fruits that emit ethylene like apples and avocados away from strawberries as the ethylene will ripen the strawberries faster.
- Freezing strawberries. Wash, dry completely, and hull them. Freeze the strawberries whole, halved, or sliced. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze.
- Once solid, transfer them to Ziploc freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible – vacuum seal for best results. They can last up to 6-8 months, but for the best quality, it’s recommended to use them within 2-3 months. (These are perfect for throwing in a Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie or Kale Smoothie!)
Quick Recap
- Purchase ripe strawberries.
- Do not rinse before storing.
- Store them whole.
- Store them in a vented container without a paper towel.
- Keep them in the refrigerator.
For Some Strawberry Recipes:
How To Store Strawberries
Equipment
- Ceramic Berry Baskets (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pint whole ripe strawberries, unrinsed
Instructions
3 Methods to Store Strawberries
- Method 1 (the best): Use a vented container and store for 3-7 days. Most strawberries purchased at the grocery store come in plastic clamshell containers which is a perfect storage option.
- Method 2: Use an airtight container lined with a paper towel on the bottom and store for 3-7 days.
- Method 3: Use an airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic container and store for 3-7 days.
Freezer Storage
- Wash, dry completely, and hull them. Freeze the strawberries whole, halved, or sliced. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze.
- Once solid, transfer them to Ziploc freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible – vacuum seal for best results. They can last up to 6-8 months, but for the best quality, it’s recommended to use them within 2-3 months.
Notes
- Ripe strawberries should be uniform red with a green stem and a sweet fragrance.
- Strawberries should be plump and firm and free from mold and soft spots. Discard any berries in the container that have begun to spoil.
- Pre-rinsing strawberries reduces their shelf life. Rinse only the amount of berries you plan to use right before preparing them to serve.
- Unless you plan to use the strawberries within 1-2 days do not hull (remove the stem) or cut the strawberries. Storing the whole berries with the stems on allows them to last longer.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
