Strawberries stay fresh for 10 days longer or more when stored correctly in the fridge

It turns out there is a simple but better way to store strawberries as well as other summer berries, which will keep them fresher for more than a week longer.

Alan Titchmarsh demonstrates how to grow strawberries

There is nothing better than juicy red strawberries in the summer, but it can be incredibly disappointing if they become soggy and spoiled only a day or two after being bought.

Strawberries often go bad before their time as they have a high water content, which means they quickly attract bacteria and mould when exposed to air.

They are also very delicate and can be damaged easily, which means bacteria can penetrate the fruit’s skin if they are not stored properly.

Luckily, Olga Klyuchits, a recipe developer and founder of Olgas Flavour Factory has shared there is a quick 10-minute food storage method to keep strawberries fresh for a week longer.

She said: “It is SO convenient to have produce washed, sliced and ready to be enjoyed. However, strawberries wilt and get mouldy so quickly. Not anymore! Here’s a method that works amazingly well.”


Picture of strawberries on a kitchen countertop

Strawberries will keep fresh for 10 days longer or more when stored correctly in the fridge (Image: Getty)

Picture of strawberries drying on a paper towel

Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before putting them in a container (Image: Getty)

How to keep strawberries fresher for longer 

The best way to slow down spoilage is to prevent air and moisture from reaching the strawberries, which will help stop mould growth.

All you have to do is thoroughly wash the strawberries in a large bowl of water Leave them to soak for five minutes to get rid of as much dirt and debris as possible.

Then, place the berries on a colander and rinse under clean running water, then place on a clean kitchen tea towel or paper towel and wait for them to dry.

Place a paper towel at the bottom of a jar with a lid or airtight glass container and then add the strawberries. Make sure the berries are completely dry before storing them.

Picture of strawberries in a glass container with a paper towel

Changes in temperature can cause food to spoil quicker which is why glass is the best for storage (Image: Getty)

Put the prepared strawberries in the fridge and they should keep fresh for seven days or even longer.

The paper towel will absorb the excess moisture the strawberries release due to their high water content, helping them stay dry and fresh.

It will also protect the strawberries from condensation in the fridge and well as stop them from bruising, so there is no chance of them becoming mouldy before their time.

For best results, make sure to store strawberries as well as other fruit in a glass container as it is more hygienic and glass has thermal properties, which keeps food at a consistent temperature so it will keep fresh for longer.

Olga said: “How long they stay fresh will depend on how fresh your strawberries were to begin with. If they are really fresh, they will be good for seven to 10 days if you follow the steps I showed you.

“However, if your berries were already not in the best shape when you start to prep them, they won’t stay fresh very long, but definitely longer than if you don’t do anything with them.”

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