How to Keep Strawberries Looking Fresh

Uncut strawberries look fresh longer than sliced berries.

Fresh strawberries, from the garden or the store, add a sweet and colorful touch to any meal. Use the strawberries in dessert, salads or as a treat on their own. Strawberries begin to shrivel and lose their red color soon after picking if they aren't stored and prepared properly. Too much moisture and high temperatures cause quicker spoilage; it's vital to store strawberries properly so they stay fresh looking as long as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow container

Instructions

1. Sort the strawberries, handling them gently. Separate out any with bruises, discolorations or soft spots for immediate use.

2. Place the sorted, unwashed strawberries in a shallow container, stacking the berries no more than two deep to prevent bruising. Leave the container uncovered and store it in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

3. Wash the berries immediately before using or serving them. Rinse them briefly under cold water; don't soak.

4. Leave the green leafy caps on, if possible. The berries look fresh longer if left intact and uncut.

5. Keep the berries refrigerated until you are ready to serve them. If using them in a dessert or fruit salad, prepare the dessert ahead of time if necessary but keep it refrigerated until serving time.

Tips & Warnings

• Strawberries retain their flavor and fresh look for three to seven days in the refrigerator if kept whole and unwashed.

• If you must store cut berries, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

References

• University of Illinois Extension; Tips on Picking and Using Strawberries; J. W. Courter, et al.
• Texas Cooperative Extension; Safe Handling of Fresh Strawberries; Peggy Van Laanen, et al.; April 2004