How to Store Strawberries For Ultimate Freshness

How To Store Strawberries So They Stay Fresh Longer

We went berry picking last week and it was so much fun. (If you live in Greenville, SC check out Stewart Farms). Anyway, those berries were so yummy that we just HAD to bring home 2 buckets full.

Now, as I am sure you know, strawberries don't last very long. They get so mushy so fast. This year I was determined to find a way to preserve them so that they stay fresh longer – and this is what worked for me.

‘Recipe' For Long Lasting Strawberries:

Combine 10 cups of room temp water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar (regular household strength). Submerge your berries (with the stems on) in the water/vinegar and let them soak for 2 minutes ONLY. Make sure they are completely covered (use your hands to move them around) and only for 2 minutes. Depending on how many berries you have – you may need to do this in more than 1 batch.

When the time is up – rinse thoroughly in cool water (I use a colander).

Lay them out on an old towel (they will stain the towel) and let them dry completely. I let them sit for 2 hours and then transferred them to a dry towel for about 2 more.

Remove any berries that are bruised, mushy, or over ripe (eat those right away)

Put a layer of paper towels on the bottom of your gallon jar and carefully place the remaining strawberries inside the jar. Screw the lid on tight.

And voila – you have berries that will last.

Now, if you see any that are ripening fast – remove right away…and enjoy!