How to Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer: 7 Expert Tips to Prevent Mold and Spoilage
Strawberries are delicious, but their short shelf life can be frustrating. It’s all too common to buy a fresh pint, only to discover moldy berries just a couple of days later. With the right storage techniques, you can extend their freshness for up to a week—or even longer.
Below, you’ll find seven effective, science-backed strategies to keep strawberries plump, juicy, and mold-free, whether you’re storing them in the refrigerator, freezer, or at room temperature.
Understanding why strawberries perish so fast helps you prevent it. Here are the main reasons:
High moisture content: Excess water encourages mold growth.
Delicate, thin skin: Makes them prone to bruising, which accelerates decay.
Ethylene gas sensitivity: Strawberries ripen—and overripen—quickly when stored near fruits that emit ethylene, like bananas and apples.
7 Ways to Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer
1. Avoid Washing Until Just Before Eating
Water clings to the surface of strawberries, speeding up mold development.
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