How to Keep Berries Fresh Longer
Isn’t it such a bummer to reach into the fridge for those delicious strawberries only to find they’ve grown moldy? Or maybe you really wanted to make a blackberry cobbler but all of your blackberries are squishy and gross. I have a solution for you! This easy hack will keep your berries fresh longer.
There’s just a few simple steps!
Items you’ll need:
A large bowl, colander or strainer, water, white vinegar, jars with lids and a few paper towels. You could also use any airtight container for berry storage, I just prefer mason jars with lids, since I already have them on hand.
How to wash your berries
The first thing you’ll want to do is pour 3 parts cool water and 1 part vinegar into the bowl. Then add your berries. You want to let them sit for 10-15 minutes in the vinegar water. Once the time is up, pour the berries into a colander and rinse well with cool water.
Dry completely!
Next you’ll want to make sure your berries are completely dry before storing them away. To do this you could leave them in the colander, set them on a towel, or even pat them dry with a paper towel. The goal is just to make sure you get them completely dry.
How to store
Once the berries are dry, place a paper towel at the bottom of your jar, then add your berries. Make sure the container is airtight and store in the fridge.
That’s it! It’s really that simple.
Why does this storage method work?
By soaking your berries in the vinegar water, you are removing bacteria, dirt, pesticides, etc. that are on the berries. This protects the berries from growing mold and going bad so quickly. Also, by making sure the berries are completely dry before placing them into the jars, you help prevent moisture which encourages mold growth. The paper towel in the bottom also just helps collect any moisture that may appear. If you prefer not to use paper towels, you could use a clean cloth or microfiber towel. You just want something that will absorb moisture in the jar.
But, will my berries taste like vinegar?
Nope! As long as you use the correct water to vinegar ration (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar) and rinse the berries very well after soaking, you won’t taste any vinegar at all. You’re just left with fresh, delicious berries that you can enjoy for two weeks or longer! Although in my home, berries never last more than a day or two!
And don’t be afraid to do the water and vinegar soak with other fruits and vegetables! It is such a simple and inexpensive way to wash your produce.
Let me know if you’ve tried this berry storage hack in the comments below.
