Learn the best way for how to store strawberries to ensure you get to enjoy the berries you buy before they spoil. Plus, tips on freezing strawberries and using them up, too.
How to Store Strawberries
Berries are notorious for spoiling really quickly, which makes sense given they are delicate fruits. But there are easy ways to store strawberries that can help extend their life and give you and your family the chance to eat them all before they start to spoil.
We’ll cover the best ways for how to store strawberries, whether to wash before storing, how to freeze strawberries, and favorite strawberry recipes to share with the kids.
These tips work for any type of strawberries, though remember that fresh, local berries are usually even more delicate. So use extra care when storing that type of berry.
(You may also like Healthy Strawberry Muffins, Strawberry Yogurt, Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake, and Strawberry Frozen Yogurt.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
To store strawberries, all you need is your berries and containers. You have the option to soak and rinse them in water and white vinegar before storing if you’d like to get them extra clean.
Containers You Need
You can use any type of storage container you prefer when learning how to store strawberries, though the berries will last the longest in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the process involved in storing strawberries.
- Option 1: Transfer your strawberries to a container lined with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel in single layers. If you can fit two or more layers in your container, put paper towel or towel between the berries. Cover with a lid and refrigerate. Rinse right before serving.
- Option 2: Transfer the strawberries to a big bowl with a 1:3 mixture of white vinegar and water. Stir gently with your hands to help dislodge any dirt from the berries. Transfer to a container lined with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and let dry by sitting at room temperature for an hour, or you can pat gently to dry. Cover and refrigerate.
How to Freeze Strawberries
This is my favorite method to freeze strawberries: Wash, dry, and remove the stems. Slice if desired and add to a zip-top freezer bag. Press into one layer, remove as much air as you can, and seal.
Favorite Strawberry Recipes
Once you have stored strawberries in the fridge, you can of course just eat them. But you can also use them in any of the delicious recipes below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ensure they are dry when stored, line the container you bought them in from the store with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and reduce the likelihood of mold, or store in a glass jar or container.
Once strawberries have been cleaned, hulled, or cut, they last longer when stored in an airtight container.
Airtight containers seem to help strawberries last longer in the refrigerator, especially if storing them after hulling or slicing them.
Best Tips for Success
- You can follow these tips for how to store strawberries and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Line meal prep containers with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Make sure to remove any berries that are already moldy when transferring them from the container.
- Be very gentle with local, fresh berries as they are often very delicate.
Related Recipes
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This post was first published June 2022.
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