They really do last a long time. How to store strawberries properly

Strawberry season is in full swing. All you have to do is step out into the garden and take a look at the strawberry patch. You’ll immediately see that there’s no shortage of berries. It’s practically impossible to use them all at once. You can eat some right away, while others can be used to make jam or ice cream. Still, it’s ideal to have some fresh berries left over that you can use in other ways or simply eat. In the following paragraphs, we’ll focus on the best ways to store strawberries.

Proper storage of strawberries in the refrigerator

The classic method is to store strawberries in the refrigerator. However, even here they can be stored incorrectly, which naturally affects their quality. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container with strawberries before putting it in the refrigerator. The strawberries must be spread out in a single layer; definitely do not stack them on top of each other. The container should be slightly ventilated, so it’s a good idea to leave it slightly ajar. And what’s the ideal temperature for storing strawberries? It should be between 2 and 4 °C.

Photo: Pixabay

Freezing strawberries for long-term storage

If we need to store strawberries for a longer period, freezing is naturally the best option. Here, too, it’s worth following these steps. First, wash the strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry. Place the strawberries on a tray lined with parchment paper and let them freeze for several hours. Only then should you take the individual berries and place them in resealable bags. This prevents the strawberries from sticking together and forming a big clump. You should thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Drying strawberries in a dehydrator

A very interesting and currently quite popular alternative for storing strawberries. Strawberry slices are dried this way at about 55 °C for roughly 8 to 12 hours. It’s best to check how dry the strawberries are during the drying process.

Sources: Author, Meta

Photo: Pixabay