How to keep strawberries fresh, seems to be a bit of a predicament for many but it can be as easy as freezing them, which then raises the question: how to freeze strawberries.
What’s not to love about strawberries! It is such a versatile and delicious fruit that provides not only a great citric and sweet flavor but numerous health benefits.
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and contain powerful antioxidants, they help reduce inflammation in your body, protecting your blood vessels and immune system.
Strawberries are pretty much a staple at people’s kitchens; you can have them for breakfast in a bowl, a healthy smoothie, with cereal, in tons of dessert recipes, and even dipped in chocolate sauce for that special occasion.
The downside with strawberries is that you may not eat them all at the same time so keeping them fresh becomes uncertain unless you store them properly.
The reason why we’ll bring you all the tips and tricks to keep your strawberries fresh and yummy for as long as possible!
How Do You Make Strawberries Last Longer?
Where there’s a will, there’s a way right! Extending the life of your strawberries is possible. The knack is to keep strawberries dry and cold; this with the purpose of preventing strawberries from molding.
The key point to remember is that you should not wash strawberries unless you are going to eat them. Keep in mind, moisture is their biggest enemy.
If you want them to last longer, there are a few different ways that are pretty effective.
How To Keep Strawberries Fresh with Vinegar
There are different ways to keep your strawberries in good shape, one includes using vinegar. As you know, vinegar has the ability to kill bacteria, so by bathing your strawberries in it, you’ll prolong their freshness.
This method offers to keep your strawberries good for up to two weeks.
Materials
- Measuring cup
- 1/4 Cup Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Cup Water
- Glass container
- Colander
- Paper towel
Step #1: Mix water and vinegar
Fill a measuring cup with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 1/2 cup of water. Depending on the number of strawberries, you may need more vinegar and water.
Step #2: Let strawberries soak
Place the liquid mix into a bowl or glass container. Let the berries wash for about 5 minutes.
Step #3: Rinse out
Using a colander, place berries and rinse with water.
Step #4: Dry strawberries
Using a paper towel, dry your strawberries. Some like to use a salad spinner to do a thorough drying.
Step #5: Store
Place the strawberries inside your container and cover. You may want to label the container with the date.
How To Keep Strawberries Fresh After Cutting?
It is also possible to keep strawberries fresh once you cut them. To do this, all you need is an airtight container and paper towel. This method will keep your strawberries fresh for up to a week!
This is probably the most frequent way of storing strawberries; it is as simple as cutting the stems of your strawberries, accommodating them in a container with a paper towel, cover, and voila! Remember to do this with your strawberries unwashed. Once you are ready to use/eat, then you wash them as you regularly do.
Materials
- Container
- Paper towel
Step #1: Cut
Cut the stems off each of your strawberries.
Step #2: Arrange strawberries
Line an airtight container with a paper towel and spread out your berries.
Step #3: Store
Cover and write the date
The Best Way To Store Strawberries
Other methods to properly store strawberries and keep them fresh include; keeping them in their original packaging, glass jar, hulled in a baking pan, rinsed on a paper towel, or giving them a hot water bath.
The best way or the one that proved to have less amount of spoilage is soaking your berries in vinegar. By giving your strawberries a vinegar bath, then making sure you dry them out and put them into a paper towel-lined container, you can obtain fresh strawberries for longer with little to no spoilage.
This method may take some effort, but it is totally worth it.
Can You Freeze Fresh Strawberries?
You can certainly freeze fresh berries. If you get a ton of strawberries at the same time is advisable to keep them frozen. This way, you’ll make sure to have them ready for smoothies, shortcakes, and cereal.
How To Freeze Strawberries?
To do this, place rinsed, dried, and stemmed whole berries, cut sides down, on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet; freeze, uncovered, for six hours. Then transfer to a freezer bag.
How Long Will Strawberries Last In The Fridge?
You can rest assured your strawberries will be kept in good shape in the freezer for up to three months.
Do Strawberries Last Longer In A Ziploc Bag?
Ziploc bags are super practical and are great to ensure long-term storage.
If you want your strawberries to last long, what you need to do first is to freeze them. Place the unwashed strawberries on a baking sheet and cover them with wax paper or plastic wrap for a few hours. Take them out and put them inside a Ziploc bag or bags.
What To Do With Strawberries Before They Go Bad?
If there’s any indication that your strawberries are going bad, do not panic because there’s still a way you can use them. If you see a few dark spots here and there, these strawberries aren’t a complete waste in fact, these are great for smoothies and tons of other recipes. Check out below a fantastic recipe idea to use your berries before they go bad.
Frozen Strawberries In Syrup
Ingredients
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups of water
- 5 pounds fresh strawberries
- Jars or zipper-lock bags
Directions
- Mix together the water and sugar in a pot. Heat on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Rinse and drain strawberries. Remove stem and hulls. Cut strawberries directly into the jars.
- After the strawberries have been placed into the jars, pour the syrup until the berries are covered. Make sure to leave enough headroom. Freezer bags also work well.
- Label with the date, and place on the freezer.
- Once you are ready to use them: defrost the berries for about 6 to 8 hours. Drain, reserving the syrup. Drained strawberries can be used directly in muffins, crisps, pies, etc. Heat syrup in a saucepan and boil for 10 minutes, pour it over berries.
Our Favorites And Easiest Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie to take to Work
No time for breakfast? Then you need this fantastic strawberry shortcake smoothie and take it to work!
This creamy and delicious drink makes a great afternoon snack or a quick breakfast you can take with you anywhere.
Strawberries Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie
You love having your oatmeal in the morning, but today you don’t have the time to make it, or maybe you want to try it cold and with a touch of fruits and cinnamon.
Luckily that is exactly the recipe we are about to make together, this delicious strawberry banana oatmeal breakfast smoothie is exquisite and has the touch of cinnamon, Yum!!!
Now you know how to keep strawberries fresh, would you also like to know How to keep grapes fresh?