Here's How to Store Strawberries, Keeping Them Fresher for Longer

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The arrival of bright red, juicy strawberries to the farmers' market is one of the first signs that spring has finally sprung! Sure, you can get them year-round in most grocery stories but nothing compares to the sweetness and flavor of fresh berries in their peak season. Strawberry season typically begins in spring, around April or May, and lasts until June or early July. It may be a short season, but oh, is it sweet!

There are so many strawberry recipes to try from delightful strawberry pies to one of Ree Drummond's favorite spring appetizers—a simple strawberry and goat cheese crostini. But if you've ever gotten home from the market with a pint of strawberries, only to find they're molded just a few days later, the food waste can be disheartening. That said, do you know how to store strawberries at home? Keep reading for simple tips on washing, storing, and keeping them fresh for longer.

Where is the best place to store strawberries?

Unless you plan to use the strawberries right away, it's best to store them in your refrigerator to preserve freshness. Unrefrigerated, berries will last only a few days; stored in the fridge, they could last up to a week. Keep in mind that whole strawberries tend to last longer than sliced, and be sure to throw out any moldy berries—you don't want one bad one spoiling the whole bunch!

Should strawberries be stored in an airtight container?

It depends. If your berries are whole, storing them in an airtight container could actually cause them to mold quicker due to trapped moisture. The best way to store a bunch of whole berries is to loosely place them—in a single layer if possible—in an open container lined with paper towels. A berry bowl or colander works great for this because it lets air circulate around the berries! The paper towels absorb moisture to keep the berries nice and dry.

Sliced or hulled strawberries, however, are different. Once they've been cut into, strawberries should always be stored in an airtight container to keep the flesh from drying out and bacteria from growing. Berries don't last nearly as long once sliced so it's best to keep them whole as long as possible.

Do strawberries last longer washed or unwashed?

To keep berries fresher for longer, you want to wash as you go. This means, only wash the strawberries that what you plan to eat immediately and leave the rest unwashed. Washing exposes the berries to moisture, and moisture leads to mold.

Can you freeze leftover strawberries?

Yep! The best way to enjoy strawberries after the season has passed is by stocking your freezer full. If your fridge is filled with more fresh strawberries than you're able to eat, pop them into your freezer to enjoy later. Once you know the best way to freeze strawberries, you can use them in plenty of berry treats like fruity smoothies, homemade pies, and cakes made from scratch!

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