Fresh fruits and vegetables are at their best when picked ripe, but that also means they will not last very long. While the refrigerator can help extend their shelf life, not every type of produce responds well to the cold. Lower temperatures can change the flavor and stop ripening completely.
Strawberries are one of summer's sweetest rewards. Whether you brought home a basket from the market or picked your own at a local farm, they do not stay fresh for long. Left at room temperature, they usually only last a day or two before they start to spoil.
If you want your strawberries to stick around a little longer, it is best to refrigerate them. Curious how long they will keep in the fridge? We will walk you through how to store them properly so they stay fresh as long as possible.
How long do strawberries last in the refrigerator?
If you plan to eat your strawberries right away, it's best to enjoy them at room temperature. Cold temperatures from the fridge can dull their natural aroma and make them taste less sweet. To bring back their full flavor, let refrigerated strawberries sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. If you know the berries will be eaten soon, skip the fridge altogether. Just remember they should not sit on the counter for more than a day or two.
How to store strawberries?
To keep strawberries as fresh as possible, store them in the plastic clamshell they came in. If they were sold in open baskets, transfer them to a partially open plastic produce bag. Place the container or bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer and close the vent to maintain a humid environment. Another option is to use an airtight storage container lined with paper towels to help absorb excess moisture.
How to make strawberries last longer
There's nothing worse than finding your whole pack of strawberries has started to mold a few days after purchasing. Here are a few things you can do to make them last longer.
- Do not cut the strawberries or take the tops off. If you slice them, they tend to spoil sooner, so keep them whole.
- As mentioned before, do not wash them before storage.
- If you are planning to store them for longer, try the vinegar wash. Use 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water to give them a wash. Then rinse them with cool water. You will need to pat them dry with paper towels since moisture is not good for the berries.
- Store them in a container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture and prevent mold.
- If possible, keep the berries in a single layer in the storage container.
How do you know if strawberries are bad?
When strawberries go bad, you'll usually notice mold, especially in spots where the berries are touching. They may appear discolored, feel soft or mushy, and sometimes leak juice from damaged areas. A fresh strawberry should be firm and fragrant, but once it starts to spoil, the sweet smell fades and may take on a sour or rotten scent. If you see any of these signs, it is best to toss them.
Tip: If you spot a few moldy strawberries, there's no need to toss the entire batch. Remove the spoiled ones and check the surrounding berries closely for any signs of mold or soft spots. Discard any that were in direct contact with the moldy fruit. The remaining strawberries can be stored as usual.
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