Strawberries are best enjoyed when they’re firm, sweet, and perfectly ripe. Unfortunately, this peak freshness doesn’t last long, and many strawberries quickly become soft and mushy.
However, food storage experts from NRC Business Waste have shared an “imperative” storage rule that can extend the shelf life of strawberries by weeks.
When selecting a punnet of strawberries at the supermarket, it’s often difficult to find the perfect ones.
Some may already be bruised or they may not be in season. Even after finding bright red, juicy strawberries, watching them spoil soon after purchase can be a waste of time and money.
Luckily, the experts have shared four simple methods that can help prevent this rapid deterioration.
Use a glass jar to keep strawberries fresh
The key to long-lasting strawberries is a simple glass jar. A glass jar acts as a barrier, protecting strawberries from mould by limiting their exposure to air and moisture. When stored properly in the fridge, strawberries can remain fresh for up to three weeks.
Wash and soak in vinegar solution
Before storing strawberries, it’s important to clean them. Place the strawberries in a large bowl and wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or bacteria. Next, soak the berries in a mixture of 60ml of white vinegar and two litres of water.
“Only let these berries soak in the solution for two minutes,” advises Wheeldon Brothers. “Any longer, and they’ll begin fermenting, and no matter what you do afterwards, they won’t last.”
Dry thoroughly before storing
Once the strawberries have soaked, drain them gently in a colander. Make sure they are completely dry before storing: lay the berries on a clean towel for a few hours. Any remaining moisture will cause them to spoil faster.
Store in a glass jar
Once fully dry, place a clean paper towel at the bottom of a sterilised glass jar, then carefully add the strawberries. Pop the jar in the fridge, and you’ll have fresh strawberries to enjoy for the next three weeks.
How to freeze strawberries
If foodies are not planning to eat all the strawberries soon, freezing is a great option. Frozen strawberries are perfect for smoothies, baking, or even adding to ice cream.
To freeze, wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly, then place them in a sealable bag or airtight container before putting them in the freezer. Frozen strawberries stay fresh for 10 to 12 months and can be thawed for various recipes.
It comes as supermarket giant Tesco has offered advise about one of its food items in a bid to save some money. On their website, they have shared useful tips on how to make certain items last longer and stop us from throwing them in the bin. This time they have focused on bananas.
While many of us have it as a quick go-to snack we sometimes don’t always get to finish the fruit before it goes all brown and mushy.
Tesco’s website said: “Using your freezer for just ice cubes and a packet of frozen peas? Wondering whether you can freeze milk?
“Freezers are the most efficient when they are full, so make the most of the space to prevent food waste and have ingredients ready to go. From milk and cheese to veg and rice, your freezer can do it all!”
