How To Store Strawberries – 3 Important Tips

Nothing beats sitting in a strawberry farm eating away as many straw berries as possible to your fill. But sadly, the strawberry season lasts for about 4 weeks hence the need to learn how to store strawberries. For most of us, we purchase this sweet delicacy from our local produce stores and selecting the best means better strawberries which will last for many days without rotting. When shopping, chose the freshly looking ones that are bright and firm. A good strawberry shopper uses his/her nose to tell those that are way too ripe. The bruised and squishy ones will not last long and should be avoided. If you are buying packed berries, always go for the clear unstained containers which will have a higher chance of healthy strawberries.

Upon reaching at home, unpack your strawberries and do not leave a moldy berry next to the good ones for they will tend to rot too. After unpacking, most people will immediately wash all the berries but the best way is to leave them unwashed. Wash only the strawberries you are about to eat. Moisture is the number enemy of these berries. For them to last longer, they need to remain dry. However, some people especially those with kids prefer to wash them and I must insist that they ensure all berries to be preserved are dried. A paper towel is speed up the drying process.

The best tip on storing strawberries is as our grandmothers used to do. Take your fresh strawberries and put them in a glass container. Next close the container lid preferably with a glass lid. Finally, store the glass container in the fridge. The strawberries will last for a period of 1 – 2 weeks when stored this way. The glass lid reduces air flow which helps in decaying while the glass properties allow the container to become as cold as its surroundings unlike a plastic container.

Another way to store them is by freezing strawberries. You may pack them in a container but ensure you leave some room at the top so as not to cramp them. Before storing them in a freezer, buy ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to prevent darkening of foods and leave the green tip at the top by slowly twisting it or using the tip of a blade peeler. Freezing method for storing fruit is ideal for chocolate strawberries, cream strawberries, sliced strawberries or in any form that may suit you. As a precaution, ensure that the freezer does not lose energy or breakdown as this will lead to the berries spoiling. They should always be frozen under zero degrees F.

Whichever way of how to store strawberries you choose, ensure there is no moisture present since this is what accelerates the decay process. Well preserved strawberries, especially by freezing, can last for many months and all its nutritious values are not lost. Strawberries are rich in folic acid, vitamins A & C, calcium polyphenols and selenium. Additionally, they have low calories levels hence ideal for all persons of all ages.