Summer is just around the corner which can only mean it is the best time to enjoy berries.
In particular, fresh juicy strawberries and there’s nothing better.
But despite them tasting so good, freshly hand-picked they can go mouldy pretty quickly. However, one person has taken to the online forum site Reddit to ask the question: ‘How do you prevent strawberries from growing mold fast?’
The post started: “Been struggling to keep strawberries fresh and often at least a few get mouldy quick no matter how or where is stored?”
People took to the thread to share their tips and advice on keeping the fruit fresh for longer, with one person writing: “I put berries in an airtight jar in the fridge without washing them, and wash them as needed. They last a long time this way.”
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Another recommended: “You need to wash fruit as soon as you get it home. You can use premade fruit and veggie wash, or you can use water with some distilled white vinegar added in.
“I have a big bowl that I fill with cool water, add in some distilled white vinegar, dump the strawberries in, and let them soak while I put the groceries away (usually less than 5 minutes).
“Then I swish them around with my hand for 30 seconds to a minute, then dump the water out and spread the fruit on a dish towel to dry completely. While the fruit is drying, wash and dry whatever container you plan on keeping the fruit in.
“They’ll last MUCH longer this way.”
A third said: “Are you eating them raw? If not cut them in half or quarters. Then place them on parchment paper, so they won’t stick together while freezing. Put em in the freezer, and once they are frozen put them in a bag for Smoothies.
“I do this with all of the fruit my backyard produces. Daily checking for fruit that looks a little worse for wear, and freeze it before it molds.”
Another suggested: “I bought a set of produce savers and they make a huge difference.”
Finally, one said: “Stored in a single layer, unwashed covered in the fridge. Remove any berry that starts to show signs of mold. The most you can expect is 7 days.
“Less if the berries weren’t especially fresh in the store.”
Do you have any suggestions for keeping strawberries fresh for longer?
