Strawberries are finally in season and likely cheaper in shops, but nothing spoils this tasty treat faster than them going mouldy in a day or two. The reason strawberries spoil quickly is that the fruit contains a lot of moisture and sugar, which can make them the perfect breeding ground for mould.
However, many people also do not realise strawberries should not be stored in their original plastic packaging, especially in the warmer weather, as it causes condensation, which will encourage mould spores. Instead, Heather, a cook and founder of Fit Mama Real Food, has shared that strawberries will stay fresh in the fridge for two weeks longer if they are stored with a paper towel.
Heather said: “The main reason for spoilage is excess moisture. The good news – is it can be avoided!”
She added: “Take a paper towel and lay it on the bottom of your shallow container. Add a single layer of the prepped strawberries.”
Paper towels are great for storing berries as they will absorb any excess moisture that leaks from the fruit, so there is much less chance of mould or bacteria getting onto them.
Strawberries are quite delicate with porous skin, so any water they release can cause them to become soggy, and the bruising will also cause them to spoil quickly.
Your strawberries will stay fresh for weeks rather than days, so you do not have to worry about wasting money or throwing away food you have just bought.
How to store strawberries properly
To begin, fill a large bowl with cold water and then let the strawberries soak in it for two minutes.
It may seem like bizarre advice, as moisture is what causes strawberries to spoil, but washing them helps remove any mould spores or bacteria on the surface.
If you wish to add vinegar, then you will need 240ml (one cup) for a gallon of water. Do not let the strawberries sit for more than five minutes if you use white vinegar, as it can result in a strong vinegary aftertaste.
Once the time is up, pour the water and strawberries into a large colander in the sink and then rinse the berries with cold water.
Next, lay a clean tea towel or some paper towels on your kitchen counter and then place the strawberries in a single layer.
Then leave them for two to three hours to air dry. This might seem like a long time, but this is an incredibly important step, as if the strawberries are damp, they will just go mouldy.
After a few hours, place a few paper towels in the bottom of a glass container. Add your strawberries to the container and add a few more paper towels between the berries.
It is much better to store strawberries in glass as it allows more air circulation than other materials, so there is less chance of moisture or mould building up in the space.
Add the lid to the container and then place your strawberries in the fridge. Your berries should stay plump, juicy and fresh for up to two weeks.
