Keep your strawberries fresh longer with this easy vinegar storage tip

Strawberries often become soft or moldy shortly after purchase, forcing us to eat them quickly to avoid waste.

However, there is a simple trick that could change the way you shop and reduce food waste, apparently many are storing strawberries incorrectly.

Danielle Clark of Mayberry Farm let us in on a secret: To extend the life of strawberries, wash them well before putting them in the fridge, and this quick five-minute chore can make a big difference. She divulged: “An easy way to extend the shelf life of those sweet seasonal strawberries? Simply bathe in a bath of specially formulated water, one part white vinegar and three parts H2O”.

While washing strawberries with a mixture of water and white vinegar may sound strange, it eradicates bacteria from their surface, ensuring they stay fresh for longer, reports the Express. Because of their high moisture content, strawberries are prone to bacterial growth and mold shortly after being purchased.

Vinegar works wonders thanks to its antimicrobial properties, killing both bacteria and mold spores while cleaning away any residual dirt.

How to keep strawberries fresh

Just submerge the strawberries in a bowl of cold water mixed with a splash of white vinegar for about two minutes. It’s essential to set a timer and avoid soaking the strawberries for too long as they may take on a vinegary taste, but this won’t happen if it’s only a few minutes.

After washing the strawberries, let them air dry on the kitchen counter before patting them well with a paper towel. Leaving any moisture on the strawberries can promote the growth of bacteria and mold when stored in the refrigerator.

Danielle pointed out, “The most important thing when it comes to storing strawberries is to make sure they are dry.”

She advised, “After you’ve quickly drained them and dried off as much excess liquid as possible with paper towels or even a salad spinner, store your berries in an airtight container for future snacking!”

Once the strawberries are dry, place them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb the moisture, keeping them dry and extending their freshness. By removing the strawberries from their original plastic packaging and placing them in an airtight container with a lid, you protect them from condensation in the fridge, which helps prevent mold.

Strawberries treated this way should stay fresh for another five to seven days, but for an even longer shelf life, freezing is an option. Danielle added: “Transfer the berries to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to six months. Frozen berries are perfect for smoothies and baking recipes like strawberry jam bars or muffins.”

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