How to Handle Fresh Strawberries When You Get Them Home

Handle your berries correctly and they will stay picture perfect for days.

Fresh strawberries are available year-round, thanks to greenhouse growing and imported fruits from warmer climates. When a shopper brings fresh strawberries home, however, they can begin to deteriorate. Handling and storing your fresh strawberries will ensure the longest possible shelf life, and will also ensure that the berries do not get any additional bruises. When you bring the fresh strawberries home from the grocery store or farmers market, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Instructions

1. Sort the berries when you get home. Remove the berries from their packaging and throw away any that are moldy or heavily bruised.

2. Store the berries, uncovered, in the fridge. You can store them in their original container, or in a shallow bowl or tray, whichever will allow you to store the berries in no more than two layers on berries. The more berries you pile on top, the more the berries on the bottom can get compressed.

3. Rinse the berries in cold water just prior to eating them or preparing them for a dessert. Allow to drain in a colander until dry.

4. Cut off the stems. Cutting off the stems right after purchasing will decrease the shelf life of the berries, so only cut off the stems right after rinsing.

5. Consume within two to three days for best-tasting berries. If you have excess, place rinsed, de-stemmed berries in a freezer bag and store in the freezer until ready to consume.

References

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Tips on Picking and Using Strawberries
• Parlee Farms: Parlee Farms' Strawberries