Last Updated on January 5, 2023
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits that taste great by themselves or in desserts. So, just how long do strawberries last? Properly storing your strawberries can help them have a longer shelf life, keeping them fresh and tasty.
Strawberries are a wonderful fruit as they taste with many desserts including cake, cheesecake, ice cream, and more. You can use them to make a delicious sauce, mix them into batters, dip them in chocolate, and of course, enjoy them plain. Like every fruit, they are perishable and only have a shelf life of a certain length.
How Long Do Strawberries Last?
How long strawberries will last depend on how you store them and how ripe they were when you picked or purchased them. On average, you can expect strawberries to last for five to seven days when properly stored in your fridge.
Strawberries can last for one to two days at room temperature. However, if you live in a warm, humid environment it is best to just store them in the fridge, as they will not last well in warm temperatures.
You can also store strawberries in your freezer as well. This is a great option if you can’t eat a whole carton of strawberries at once or you would like to have them on hand all year round for when they aren’t in season. Strawberries will last in the freezer for up to one year.
How to tell if your strawberries aren’t good anymore
Strawberries can easily perish, especially if they are not properly stored. They tend to go bad quickly in moist or warm conditions.
If you notice mold on your strawberries, toss the mold-covered ones out as they are no longer good. If your strawberries are mushy or have any discoloration, then they are no longer good.
In addition, if you notice that your strawberries have an off smell, taste, or appearance, then it is just best to throw them out. They are also likely not good anymore if they are leaking moisture, damaged, soft, or have brown caps.
How To Properly Store Strawberries
To ensure your strawberries last as long as possible, it is important to properly store them. The best place to store them is in the fridge, as they should be kept dry and cold.
Storing in the fridge
Store your strawberries in a single layer on a paper towel in a plastic container, preferably with ventilation or a produce bag. You can also store them in the original container that they came in.
Do not wash your strawberries before placing them in the fridge, as the excess moisture can cause them to go bad quicker. Wait to wash them until right before you eat them or use them in a recipe.
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Freezing strawberries
Freezing strawberries is another great way to store them. To start off, wash off your strawberries, dry them with a paper towel and then let them air dry for around one hour.
After your strawberries are fully dry, hull them and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to place the strawberries in a single layer and do not have them touch one another. Then, place the strawberries in the freezer for around one to two hours, until they are completely frozen.
Once, fully frozen, remove the strawberries from the tray and place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and return them to the freezer for up to a year.
Frozen strawberries are great for using in smoothies or milkshakes. You can defrost them at room temperature for around one hour at room temperature or overnight in your fridge.
Storing chocolate covered strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries make a delicious treat and they are easy to eat. Though they are best eaten fresh, you can also make them ahead of time.
Chocolate-covered strawberries can last for one day at room temperature in an airtight container. After a day, you should store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Store the chocolate-covered strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container. Store them with a paper towel to absorb moisture, as they tend to sweat when they are refrigerated.
Storing homemade strawberry sauce
Homemade strawberry sauce is great for serving on french toast, cheesecakes, pancakes, ice cream, and waffles. Strawberry sauce can be stored in the fridge for one week, but be sure to let it fully cool before placing it in the fridge.
Store your strawberry sauce in a mason jar or in an airtight container. Since it will thicken up in the fridge, you can microwave it for around 10-15 seconds before adding to food.
How To Properly Wash Strawberries
Before you eat your strawberries, you should always wash them first. To wash, place the strawberries in a colander and run cold water over them for 10-20 seconds.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse all of the strawberries. If you are going to use them in a recipe, be sure to thoroughly dry them off before adding them in.
Keeping Strawberries Fresh
Strawberries will last on your counter for one day, fridge for five to seven days, and in your freezer for one year. Be sure to properly store them and always wash them before eating.
Do you have any questions on how long do strawberries last? If so, please ask any strawberry storage questions below.
FAQs
How Long Do Strawberries Last in the Fridge?
Strawberries will last in the fridge for five to seven days. Store them in a container in a single layer or in the container that they came in.
How Long Do Strawberries Last Once Cut?
Cut strawberries will last in the fridge for three to four days. Store your cut strawberries in a container or in a Ziploc bag.
How Do You Know When Strawberries Are Bad?
If your strawberries have any mold on them, then they are bad. In addition, they are no longer good if they are mushy, discolored, have an off-smell or taste, have brown caps or have moisture leaking.
How Long Do Chocolate Covered Strawberries Last?
At room temperature, chocolate covered strawberries will last for one day. They will last for two to three days in the fridge in an airtight container. Since they do sweat in the fridge, store them with paper towels.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
