Strawberries can last up to 10 days longer with this storage tip

There’s nothing quite like the taste of juicy red strawberries during the summer months, but the disappointment is palpable when they become soggy and spoiled shortly after purchase.

Because of their high water content, strawberries are notoriously quick to attract bacteria and mold once they come into contact with air, contributing to their all-too-common premature spoilage.

The delicate nature of strawberries further compounds the problem; minimal damage can allow bacteria to enter the skin, especially if not stored carefully.

However, Olga Klyuchits, a recipe developer and the brains behind Olgas Flavor Factory, has divulged a quick 10-minute storage tip that ensures your strawberries stay fresher for another week.

She shared, “It’s so convenient to have produce washed, sliced ​​and ready to eat. However, strawberries wilt and mold so quickly. Not anymore! Here’s a method that works amazingly well.”, reports Express.

Keeping strawberries fresh for a long time depends on keeping them away from air and moisture, which are responsible for mold formation.

Wash the strawberries well in a large bowl of water and let them soak for five minutes to remove dirt and debris.

Afterwards, transfer the berries to a colander to rinse under clean running water and then place them on a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels to dry.

Place a paper towel in the bottom of a jar with a lid or an airtight glass container before putting in the strawberries, making sure they are completely dry.

Once tucked away in the fridge, those strawberries can stay fresh for a week or more, thanks in part to that humble paper towel that acts as a sponge for any excess moisture, keeping the berries dry and extending their shelf life.

Its absorbent power protects fruit from condensation in the fridge and prevents bruising, essentially protecting them from premature mould.

Optimal storage means placing strawberries and other fruit in glass containers – not only is it tidier, but it also helps maintain an even temperature thanks to the thermal advantages of glass, giving it an even better chance of freshness over time.

Food expert Olga advises: “How long they stay fresh will depend on how fresh your strawberries were to begin with. If they’re really fresh, they’ll be good for seven to 10 days if you follow the steps I’ve shown you.”

She further notes, “However, if your beans weren’t already in prime shape when you start preparing them, they won’t stay fresh very long, but certainly longer than if you do nothing with them.”