Ideberries.com - The fresh strawberries will give excellent benefits. The health benefits will remain optimal as the fruits fresh. Also, we need to store them well so the taste will keep delicious.
When we have the abundant harvest of strawberries, we will usually have many ideas in mind. We can make strawberry pies with the crunchy and delicious flavor. Besides, we can create several jars of jams or sauce out of strawberries.
Also, we will love to serve fresh strawberries at any time for our families. However, strawberries are available only for a short time. The best way to store strawberries will safe the pretty fruits.
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Therefore, it is necessary that we learn how to store the strawberries well. We have to freeze them properly. With the right methods of storing, we can keep our strawberry fresh all year long. There are various ways of storing strawberry that we can follow.
Don’t Wash the Strawberries
We should not wash the strawberries if we are to store them in the fridge. The surface of strawberries is like sponges. Thus, they will soak up moisture a lot.
When we expose the strawberries to water, the fruits will get spoil soon. No matter what methods we use, the strawberries will get rotten quickly if we wash them before storing. Yet, we plan to store in the freezer, we can wash them initially. Yet, the strawberries will get too icy if we soak them so they absorb excessive moisture.
Sort the Strawberries
Another way to keep strawberry fresh is to sort the harvest. We have to remove the moldy strawberries right away. Mold easily spread and thus we need to keep the moldy strawberries as we find one.
Whether we get the strawberries from the market or our own garden, sorting is an essential way to do before storing them. If we store good strawberries and moldy strawberries together, they will rotten in no time.
Only one strawberry will spoil the whole basket of the strawberries. Therefore, when buying them in stores, we need to be really selective. We have to pick the freshest ones. The brightest strawberries will be the best selections to choose from.
If we harvest them, we have to place the strawberries on a clean surface. After that, we can sort them by seeing the colors. We must not touch them too much since we need to keep the surface clean and smooth to store them well.
Storing Strawberries at Room Temperature
We can store the strawberries at room temperature only if we want to eat them in a few hours. If we want to use the strawberries in a recipe in a few hours, we do not have to store them in the fridge or freezer.
Besides, we need to only store them at the room temperature if we are serving them as a snack for lunch or dinner. We need to keep them at room temperature in order to keep the excellent taste.
How to Select the Container
The best way to store strawberries will result well as we pick the right containers for the berries. If we buy them in the market, we should remove the plastic bag right away. The plastic container they came in is not good as well.
We will usually get a plastic box package for an ideal storage when buying them from the store. Yet, the containers are ideal containers to store them for a long period of time.
We need to use a good quality Tupperware for keeping the strawberries fresh. Plastic containers with excellent quality will not let any air. That way, the strawberries will not spoil fast.
How to Optimize Tupperware Containers for Strawberries
Storing the fruits in Tupperware is a good idea. First of all, we have to remove the fruits from the original containers. We can place them in a clean container first.
After that, we need to line the container that we want to use with tissue paper or paper towels. That method can absorb excess moisture from the strawberries. We need to keep some space inside the container.
It means we should never crowd the container. It is fine if we use several containers for our abundant berries. We do not use the seal if we have a good fridge to keep the strawberries fresh.
The Best Way to Store Strawberries
When it comes to storing strawberries, it's important to follow a few guidelines to keep them fresh and flavorful. Here are some tips on the best way to store strawberries:
- Keep them cool: Strawberries are perishable and can spoil quickly at room temperature. The key is to store them in a cool environment. Ideally, place them in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchasing or picking them. The temperature should be around 32 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 2 degrees Celsius).
- Leave the stems intact: Strawberries have a natural protective layer around their stems. To help them stay fresh longer, avoid removing the stems until you're ready to eat or use the strawberries. Leaving the stems on helps prevent moisture loss and reduces the risk of mold.
- Don't wash them until you're ready to use them: Washing strawberries introduces moisture, which can promote spoilage. It's best to wait until you're ready to eat or cook with the strawberries before giving them a gentle rinse. Remove any damaged or moldy berries before washing.
- Use proper storage containers: Place the strawberries in a breathable container, such as a colander or a shallow bowl, to allow for air circulation. Avoid using airtight containers or sealing them in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to faster spoilage.
- Store them in a single layer: To prevent bruising and crushing, arrange the strawberries in a single layer in the container. If you have a large quantity of strawberries, you can separate them into multiple containers or use a larger shallow container, ensuring they are not piled on top of each other.
- Check for spoilage regularly: Strawberries are delicate fruits and can spoil quickly. It's important to check them regularly for any signs of mold, soft spots, or rot. Remove any spoiled berries to prevent them from affecting the rest.
- Freeze them for long-term storage: If you have an abundance of strawberries and want to store them for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Wash, dry, and remove the stems from the strawberries before spreading them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to six months. Frozen strawberries are ideal for smoothies, baking, or making sauces.
By following these guidelines, you can extend the shelf life of strawberries and enjoy them at their best for a longer period.
