How to Clean Strawberries (So They Last Longer)! (2024)

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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!

  1. Combine vinegar and water: In a bowl, mix together 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

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How to Clean Strawberries (So They Last Longer)! (12)

How to Clean Strawberries So They Last Longer

5 from 5 votes

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!

Servings 4

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Rate RecipePrint Recipe

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!

Keyword: how to clean strawberries, how to store strawberries, how to wash strawberries

Course: Produce

Method: Washing

Author: Lexi

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How to Clean Strawberries (So They Last Longer)! (2024)

FAQs

How to Clean Strawberries (So They Last Longer)!? ›

Heat water to about 125°F, and soak your berries in the water for just about 30 seconds. This will kill any bacteria without damaging or cooking the berries. Then allow them to dry thoroughly on a towel, and store as directed above. They should keep for up to two weeks.

How to wash strawberries to keep them fresh longer? ›

You dunk strawberries in a water bath made with 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water, drain them, then dry them as thoroughly as possible. Food52 suggested drying them in a salad spinner lined with paper towels for added insurance that they would get dry, so that's exactly what I did.

Is it better to wash fruit with vinegar or baking soda? ›

Use apple cider or white vinegar for a 10-15 minute soak. Then rinse the fruit well. The benefit of baking soda (besides not having any kind of vinegar smell or taste lingering) is that it removes pesticides.

Does soaking strawberries in vinegar and water make them last longer? ›

Vinegar Bath, fresh for up to 2 weeks

One of the great things about vinegar is that it destroys harmful bacteria so bathing your strawberries in it will keep them fresh longer.

What can I put on strawberries to make them last longer? ›

4 parts water to one part vinegar. And then I'm gonna soak my strawberries. in that vinegar water for 20 minutes. Not less, not more.

What is the best way to keep strawberries from spoiling? ›

Keep your fresh strawberries in the refrigerator for best results. If you're pressed for time and cannot wash and rinse them right away make sure to place unwashed berries in an airtight container lined with paper towels (this will help absorb any extra moisture) and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

How do you increase the shelf life of strawberries? ›

Rinse with vinegar solution: Soak strawberries in a vinegar solution (one-part white vinegar and three parts water) for a few minutes. Then drain them, pat them dry, and place them on a clean paper towel in a glass container. Loosely place the lid on and store in the refrigerator.

How to get bugs out of strawberries? ›

If fruit flies are an issue, the best approach is to rinse the fruit like usual and skim any larvae off the surface once the fruit comes to a boil,” says plant ecologist and food writer, Heather Ardnt Anderson. Soaking strawberries in a saltwater solution will indeed cause any hidden pests to emerge.

How many cups of vinegar do you use to clean strawberries? ›

If you want to wash the strawberries with vinegar (this is a good choice if you're using non-organic strawberries because it will wash off pesticides more thoroughly) heres what to do: combine 2 cups water with 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and submerge the strawberries for about 10 minutes (increase the ...

How to clean strawberries and store them? ›

Place the strawberries in the vinegar-water and let them soak for about five minutes. Then rinse them thoroughly in a colander and place on a towel to dry. Once the berries are thoroughly dried, you can store them berries in the fridge, in a container that allows air to circulate, for up to two weeks.

How do you store berries so they don't go bad? ›

How to store fresh berries. Once they're washed and dried, fresh berries should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 34℉ and 38℉. Pick out and discard any that are already squished or have moldy spots.

Do strawberries keep better washed or unwashed? ›

Strawberries will stay their freshest when dry and cold, and any added moisture will soften the strawberries and encourage mold growth. So instead of washing all of your berries right when you get home from the store, wash them as you plan to eat or prepare them.

How do you store strawberries so they won't spoil quickly? ›

Place in air-tight glassware: Transfer unwashed strawberries into a glass food storage container or mason jar and make sure it's sealed tight. Paper towel method: Place a clean, dry paper towel in a container and put unwashed strawberries on top. Close the lid and place the container in the refrigerator.

Should you soak strawberries in salt water? ›

Soaking strawberries in salt water will help dislodge any hidden dirt or bugs. (Gross, we know.) That said, it's normal for there to be some earthy residue on the berries, but if you're particularly concerned about bugs, give them a soak in salt water.

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