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How to Clean Strawberries So They Last Longer: my tips and tricks for how to wash strawberries so they stay nice and fresh for up to two weeks!
How to Clean Strawberries Properly to Last!
I saw a TikTok a while back on how to properly clean strawberries and I was amazed. They truly last so much longer. So gone are the days of storing the strawberries in the container they come in. Trust me here! Follow these steps and have fresh strawberries for all of your favorite recipes like Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake (with dairy free whipped cream), Easy Strawberry Chia Jam, and Gluten-Free 4th of July Cake (Nut-Free)!
First… Why You Should Clean Strawberries
Unwashed berries, like many kinds of fresh produce, can have dirt, bacteria, and pesticides living on the surface. So, in order to not ingest said dirt, bacteria, and pesticides, it’s super important to wash them thoroughly before you eat them!
Which leads me to… Should You Buy Strawberries Organic?
Yes! I always recommend buying organic strawberries because they aren’t grown using pesticides. You actually don’t need to buy every single thing organic, but berries are one that are a must for me in terms of organic vs. non-organic. However, even organic berries can contain dirt and bacteria, so you will still want to clean them!
What You’ll Need
You don’t need much to clean your strawberries. Just a few simple ingredients!
- Strawberries (duh!)
- White Vinegar
- Filtered Water
- Large Bowl
- Colander
- Towel
- Airtight Container
How to Clean Strawberries
So, how exactly do we get our strawberries squeaky clean and have them last for up to 2 weeks? Just follow these simple steps!
- Combine vinegar and water: In a bowl, mix together 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.
- Soak the strawberries: Add the fresh strawberries into the vinegar water and allow them to soak for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry, they won’t taste like vinegar!
- Drain and rinse: Drain and rinse the strawberries (removes all the vinegar taste don’t worry!), then lay them out on a towel to dry.
- Store: Line an airtight container with paper towels, add in the strawberries, and store them in the fridge. This step is important to make sure you’re removing moisture!
Once berries are exposed to any moisture, they go bad really quickly. I recommend only cleaning as many as you’ll use. BUT if you do want to wash all of them at once, make sure you dry them super thoroughly to remove any moisture. We want them to last as long as possible!
Water to Vinegar Ratio
The rule of thumb is 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar, so 3 cups water to 1 cup vinegar or adjust accordingly!
Washed vs Unwashed Strawberries
Not only is it just better for you to wash your strawberries, this method actually keeps the strawberries fresh for a longer period of time. On average, fresh strawberries last for up to a week in the fridge. This method can increase that time to up to 2 weeks!
Your Water Matters!
In general, your water matters! I wrote a whole article on What I Learned When We Revamped Our Tap Water and it’s really worth the read!
How to Store Your Clean Strawberries!
Once cleaned and completely dry, the strawberries must be stored in an airtight container lined with paper towel so they stay fresh.
They can last up to 2 weeks, but the amount of time will depend on the freshness of the strawberries to begin with!
How to Use Up Fresh Strawberries
Now, you’ve got all those delicious fresh strawberries to use up. Well, here are some of my favorite recipes using strawberries!
- Strawberry and Mango Salsa Chicken
- 2-Ingredient Strawberry Fruit Leather
- Strawberry Asparagus Salad with Bacon
- Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette
- Paleo Chocolate Ganache Strawberry Cups
Watch The Video:
How to Clean Strawberries So They Last Longer
Ingredients
- 1 pound or more fresh organic strawberries
- White vinegar
Instructions
- Combine vinegar and water: In a bowl, mix together 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.
- Soak the strawberries: Add the fresh strawberries into the vinegar water and allow them to soak for about 10 minutes. Don't worry, they won't taste like vinegar!
- Drain and rinse: Drain and rinse the strawberries (removes all the vinegar taste don't worry!), then lay them out on a towel to dry.
- Store: Line an airtight container with paper towels, add in the strawberries, and store them in the fridge. This step is important to make sure you're removing moisture!
Thanks so much for the info 🐱
I love strawberrys and have lost a whole package recently within 24 hours 🤗 This has given me new hope🫠
I may be a little harsh but the time is way off. It takes more than five minutes to rinse off a colander of berries and gently get them transferred onto a towel. the time additionally does not include the soak time, as a cake or cookie recipe would include a baking time.
Does this work for blackberries/Raspberries, too? I worry this would make them mushy.
we’ve used it with all berries!
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for! Very helpful!
Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for! Very helpful!
Easy to accomplish and results in huge reduction in spoilage.
So easy and makes the berries last so much longer.
Great way to store fruit for longer lasting!