How to store strawberries
It’s that wonderful time of year when we are blessed with an abundance of bright-red strawberries. They’re sweet, tender and bursting with flavour and, better still, they’re great value. So like us, you probably have a crisper drawer full of punnets.
Whether you’re ready to devour a whole punnet in one sitting or have strawberry recipes at the ready, knowing how to store strawberries properly is key. Since strawberries are soft and easily perishable, they need to be treated with a little extra care.
3 tips for longer lasting strawberries
- Leave the stems on for as long as possible
When you’re ready to enjoy your strawberries you can then remove the stem, but keeping their stems on actually prolongs their shelf life. - Wash as you go
Although it’s tempting to wash all your strawberries at once, you should only wash them right before eating them. Strawberries will soak up moisture when they’re washed, which eventually turns them mushy. Wet berries will also spoil faster. - Don’t let one berry spoil the bunch
If you notice one strawberry going mouldy, remove it immediately. Mould can spread extremely fast, remove the spoiled berries before it ruins the rest of the batch.
Do strawberries need to be stored in the fridge?
If you’re using your strawberries the day you bring them home, there is no need to put them in the fridge. You can leave them at room temperature on the kitchen counter.
How to store strawberries in the fridge
If you don’t plan to eat your strawberries the day you bring them home, the best place for them is in the fridge.
Place strawberries in a container lined with paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Only partially close the lid to allow for air circulation.
How to freeze strawberries
If you want to store your strawberries for longer, you can freeze them. They have a high water content, so they will be soft after defrosting. Frozen strawberries are perfect to be added into smoothies, used in baking or cooked into a sauce.
- Wash strawberries and remove the stems. You can leave them whole, halve or slice them.
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. This stops them sticking together.
- Place them in a labelled airtight container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Now it's time to stock up on some succulent strawberries and try these scrumptious recipes!
Click here for more strawberry recipes.
Easy Custard Trifle with Strawberries
GET THE RECIPE: Easy Custard Berry Trifle by Australian Eggs
Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Berry Compote
GET THE RECIPE: Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Berry Compote by Australian Eggs
Easy Strawberry Curd
GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Curd by Australian Eggs
