Whether you've picked strawberries from your local grocery store, your favorite farmers market, or yourself from your garden, be sure to wash these vibrant jewels before you can truly enjoy them.
There's nothing worse than having to empty a tray of berries that are suddenly mushy and flaky. We've all gone to the fridge to pop a juicy berry in our mouth for a healthy snack, or shred something for a treat, only to find tuffs sprouted. Very disappointing! Fresh produce can be tender and delicate this way, but with a little extra love and care, you can have your strawberries and eat them too.
So how do you clean strawberries so they last longer? Here are some tips to keep your berries fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks.
Becky Luigart Stayner
Do you want to consume your berries? Check out these juicy strawberry recipes you can make all summer long .
Method 1: Wait, then wash the strawberries with water
A classic way to store strawberries is to keep them dry in the fridge and then rinse them with water just before using. This is because while washing the berries removes bacteria and mold spores, excess moisture can allow bacteria or mold to grow and spoil the berries faster. Store them in a perforated container that allows air to circulate, or with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
Then when you're ready to eat your strawberries, simply run them under cold tap water. If you have freshly picked or nicely firm berries, this will remove small bits of dirt or sand from the berry. Dry them or let them air dry, then eat or cook them however you like!
Method 2: Clean strawberries with a vinegar bath
If you're concerned about bacteria and mold, or expect your berries to last a little longer, you can soak them in a mild white vinegar solution. The benefit, according to the Detroit Free Press , is that the acidity in the vinegar helps kill any bacteria and mold spores that may be on the berries, although you may want to rinse them again with water to reduce the amount of fruit. some vinegar.
To prepare this solution, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a large bowl or container. Place the strawberries in the vinegar water and let them soak for about five minutes. Then rinse them well in a colander and lay them on a towel to dry. Once the berries are completely dry, you can store them in the refrigerator in a container that allows air circulation for up to two weeks.
Read more: 16 fun facts every strawberry lover should know
Method 3: Wash strawberries in hot water
Similar to the vinegar method above, the idea behind this is to destroy any bacteria or mold on the surface of the strawberries without affecting the berries themselves. This method originated with food scientist Harold McGee , who points out that berries can generally withstand many high temperatures in a field during growth.
To do this, you need an accurate thermometer. Heat the water to about 125°F and soak the berries in the water for about 30 seconds. This will kill any bacteria without damaging or cooking the berries. Then let them dry completely on a towel and store as shown above. They should be kept for up to two weeks.
Becky Luigart Stayner
Method 4: Wash strawberries with baking soda
If you have fresh and tasty strawberries at home and don't have vinegar or an accurate thermometer, there is one last method. Instead of dunking the berries in something acidic , you can use baking soda to dip them in something basic . It will also change the pH balance in a way that kills any bacteria or mold.
This method, sourced from baking soda maker Arm & Hammer , works like this: Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of cold water and stir. Soak the berries in the solution for up to 15 minutes. Take it out and let it dry completely again. With this method, it's a good idea to eat the strawberries right after you wash them.
Would you like to wash something other than strawberries? Here 's how to properly wash any type of fruit and veg .
Final tip: dryness is key!
As mentioned, moisture is enemy number one, so no matter how you wash strawberries, they should be completely dry before storing. Pat them dry with a paper towel, making sure to soak up as much water as possible, then let them dry completely on cool paper towels.
Once you've cleaned and dried them, you should store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. This will help absorb extra moisture. Properly washed and stored strawberries will keep in the fridge for about two weeks.
Remember, if you notice a strawberry starting to go moldy, be sure to remove it so it doesn't spread to others.
If you haven't already enjoyed strawberry season, then officially you have nothing else to do! Need ideas on what to do? We recommend adding fresh strawberries to a strawberry watercress salad , baking ripe strawberries in brandy strawberry shortcakes with malted whipped cream, or if you must use strawberries before they slip away, tossing them in a strawberry cabernet barbecue Toss sauce and put them on grilled chicken!
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