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Introduction
Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits worldwide, prized for their sweet flavor and vibrant color. However, their delicate nature means they spoil quickly if not stored properly. Whether you’ve just bought a fresh batch from the market or picked them from your garden, keeping strawberries fresh for longer can save money and reduce food waste. In this guide, we’ll explore easy and effective ways to extend the life of your strawberries without compromising their delicious taste.
Ingredients
Fresh strawberries (as many as you have on hand)
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Water
Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel
Airtight container or a container lined with paper towels
Optional: lemon juice
Preparation
Inspect and Sort: Begin by carefully inspecting your strawberries. Remove any that are bruised, moldy, or overripe since these can speed up spoilage of the rest.
Wash with Vinegar Solution: Prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider) to three parts water. Vinegar helps kill bacteria and mold spores on the surface without affecting flavor. Gently swirl the strawberries in this solution for about 1-2 minutes.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the berries thoroughly under cold water to remove any vinegar taste. Then, lay them out in a single layer on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and gently pat dry. It’s important to dry them well because moisture encourages mold growth.
Store Properly: Line an airtight container with fresh paper towels. Place the strawberries in a single layer inside the container and cover with another paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator.
Serving and Storage Tips
Do not hull or wash strawberries until ready to eat if you plan on storing them longer than a day. Moisture speeds up spoilage.
Use a shallow container to avoid piling berries on top of each other which causes bruising.
Check the strawberries daily and remove any that show signs of spoilage to protect the rest.
If you want to keep them longer, freeze strawberries after washing and drying. They’re great for smoothies and desserts straight from the freezer.
Variation
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