Expert tips for extending strawberry freshness at home
Strawberries are among the most delicate fruits, quickly losing their freshness. However, proper storage can significantly extend their shelf life. Learn how to select and store strawberries to enjoy their flavour for as long as possible.
Strawberries are very popular, but their delicate nature means they spoil quickly. To savour their taste for an extended period, it's helpful to know a few simple storage tips. This way, you can avoid wasting fruit and enjoy their freshness for longer.
What to pay attention to when buying strawberries?
The first step to longer storage of strawberries is selecting them properly. When purchasing, pay attention to freshness and firmness. Choose strawberries with a deep red colour and green caps. Avoid damaged fruits or those showing signs of mould, as well as green ones, as they do not ripen after being picked.
How to store strawberries?
To keep strawberries fresh, it's best to store them in a cool place. After bringing them home, don't put them immediately in the refrigerator. Instead, transfer them to a shallow dish lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. The strawberries should be arranged in a single layer to prevent bruising.
How to store strawberries in the refrigerator? To prolong the freshness of strawberries in the fridge, don't wash them before storing – wash them only just before consuming, as moisture promotes mould. Remove any damaged or mouldy fruits to protect the rest. Store them in the original packaging or in a container lined with a paper towel that absorbs moisture. Place the strawberries in the coolest part of the refrigerator, preferably in the bottom fruit and vegetable drawer. This way, they will stay fresh for several days.
Common mistakes in storing strawberries
Strawberries are delicate fruits that quickly lose their freshness, so it’s important to avoid common mistakes during storage. One of the most common mistakes is transferring strawberries to disposable plastic bags, which leads to bruising and faster spoiling.
Another mistake is washing strawberries before putting them in the fridge. Moisture accelerates moulding, so the fruits should be dry before storage, and washing is best left until just before eating.
Another common mistake is removing the caps before storage. The caps protect the interior of the fruit from moisture, delaying the spoiling process. Therefore, it is best to leave them on the fruits until consumption. It is also important to regularly check the condition of the strawberries and remove those that are starting to spoil to prevent the spread of mould to the remaining fruits. Avoiding these mistakes will allow you to enjoy the freshness of the fruits for longer and maintain their taste and quality.
