There’s nothing worse than buying delicious, sweet strawberries one day only to have them go mouldy the next. The bad news is your strawberries likely went mushy because of how you stored them. But with a few simple tweaks, you will know how to store strawberries so they last longer in the fridge or freezer, whether they’re store-bought or you’ve grown them yourself.
Ways to store strawberries
How you store strawberries depends on when you plan to eat them.
If you’re going to eat them the same day or the next, it’s best to leave strawberries on the bench in the container you bought them in. Refrigerating strawberries too early can dull their flavour.
If you want them to last longer, the fridge is the better option – as long as they’re stored correctly.
How to store strawberries in the fridge
Sonia Gabauer, Marketing Manager at berry brand Driscoll’s, says a few simple storage steps can make a big difference to how long strawberries stay fresh.
When stored properly, she says strawberries can last up to five days in the fridge.
And while eating strawberries straight from the punnet is an Aussie rite of passage, Sonia recommends letting chilled strawberries come back to room temperature before eating.
“To enhance the flavour experience, let strawberries reach room temperature before gently rinsing them with cool water and eating them,” she says.
Washing strawberries
Washing fruit and vegetables can help remove dirt, bacteria and pesticide residue, but when it comes to strawberries, timing matters.
If you want strawberries to last longer in the fridge, hold off on washing them until just before you’re ready to eat them.
Sonia Gabauer, Marketing Manager at berry brand Driscoll’s, says strawberries should always be stored dry.
“Strawberries should be kept dry and whole in a sealed container or punnet. Strawberries that are washed and then stored are much more likely to go soft and develop mould,” she says.
She also recommends avoiding cutting strawberries in advance.
“Cut strawberries deteriorate quickly, so it’s best to keep them whole with the calyx (green leafy top) intact until you’re ready to use them.”
How to store strawberries in the freezer
The freezer is your best option if you’ve stocked up on strawberries and want to store them for longer than five days.
- Arrange them in a single layer on an oven tray lined with baking paper.
- Pop them in the freezer.
- Once they are frozen, put them in a zip-lock bag.
Frozen berries are perfect for smoothies or can be used in cakes and muffins.
The best containers for storing strawberries
The container you store strawberries in matters more than most people realise.
According to berry experts, strawberries need airflow without excess moisture. Containers that trap condensation can cause berries to soften and develop mould more quickly.
For best results:
- Keep strawberries in their original punnet, which is designed to allow airflow
- Or transfer them to a shallow container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture
- Avoid fully airtight containers unless they’re designed for produce and ventilation
If you’re using a produce saver container, make sure strawberries are completely dry before storing them, and avoid overcrowding so damaged berries don’t affect the rest.
One extra tip: if you spot a strawberry starting to go soft or mouldy, remove it straight away. Mould spreads quickly through a punnet.
How to grow strawberries at home
If you prefer to grow your strawberries at home, it is easier than you think. Here is everything you need to plant, grow and care for strawberries.
Strawberry recipes to make at home
If you’re looking for strawberry recipes to make at home, we’ve got you covered. From cheesecakes to tart and muffins, here are 16 of our most delicious strawberry recipes. Plus, get the recipe for a delicious strawberry, date, and mixed-nut tart (pictured above).
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