Easy Tips for Storing Your Summer Berries

Summer is the season for juicy, ripe berries, but keeping them fresh can be a challenge. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some simple tips to help you store your summer berries so they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible!

If you are anything like us, your family loves berries! My kids could eat an entire clamshell of strawberries in one sitting, but I try to ration it over a few days.

Sometimes rationing backfires and everyone forgets that we even have them! There are few things worse in budgeting than finding mold on those $7 blueberries and raspberries!

Everyone could use a few tips to make them last longer!

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1. Choose the Right Container:

There are two schools of thought on this one. Either one will work:

1) Airtight container like a Mason jar with an airtight lid:

• If the berries are going to be eaten within the week, they can be stored in a mason jar with an airtight lid. This is how I prefer to store our fresh strawberries.
• Do not stuff the berries into the top. There should be a good inch from the top to keep the fresh berries from being smashed.
• Make sure they are completely dry. Any moisture will decrease the shelf life.

@naturaldeets

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2) Use a container made exclusively for berries:

• Use a shallow container to prevent them from getting crushed.
• Look for a container with ventilation holes to allow air circulation. This is the reason the original packaging has vent holes
• Containers made for berries are primarily made of plastic which is why I prefer the mason jar method.

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2. Don’t Wash Until Ready to Eat:

• Washing berries before storing can promote mold growth.
• Wait to rinse berries in cold water until just before you’re ready to eat them.
• If you insist on washing them prior to storing, use a salad spinner or let them sit on a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. If they sit in water, they will get mushy.

3. Remove Damaged Berries:

• When you first bring them home, check the container of berries for any signs of existing mold or spoilage before storing. Raspberries are notorious for having mold.
• Remove any berries that are soft, mushy, or have mold on them.

4. Store in the Fridge:

• Place your berries in the fridge as soon as possible after picking or purchasing.
• Store them in the crisper drawer or on a shelf where the temperature is slightly higher than the rest of the fridge. this will keep them at the optimal temperature and will make them last even longer!

5. Avoid Moisture:

• When it comes to freshness, moisture is not your friend! If you are using a container that does not have air vents, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
• Then put another napkin on top of the berries to absorb any dampness.
• Moisture can cause berries to spoil quickly, so avoid washing them until you’re ready to eat them.
• Store berries away from the humidity of the fridge door.

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6. Freeze Extra Berries:

• If you have followed the tips above and your berries are still starting to get soft, consider freezing them. Frozen berries can be used in parfaits, smoothies, pancakes, muffins, or even fruit salad!
• The best way to freeze berries is to wash and dry and then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Store them in a freezer bag for long-term storage. If you need storage container ideas, check out or post with the best containers for meal prep.

How To Properly Wash Fruit With Vinegar

I have used this method on all berries, including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.

@naturaldeets

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1) Pick out any moldy, damaged, or smashed berries

2) Place the berries in a large bowl and fill it with 3-4 cups of water. Add 2 Tablespoons of vinegar and mix. I use apple cider vinegar but white vinegar will also work. The vinegar will remove potential mold spores.

3) Let the berries sit in the vinegar bath for 5 minutes and then strain them into a colander and rinse well.

4) Enjoy! If you will be freezing them, let them sit on a clean kitchen towel until they are dry.

There you have it! With these easy tips, you can enjoy your summer berries at their peak freshness and flavor.

Whether you’re snacking on them straight from the fridge or incorporating them into your favorite recipes, properly storing your berries will save you a ton of money!!

Here Are Some Other Money Saving Tips!

• How To Freeze Onions: A Handy Guide for Long-Term Storage
• Frozen Grapes – The Easiest Snack You’ll Ever Make!
• How to store bananas for extended shelf life
• The Best Freezer Containers for Your Meal Prep Adventures!
• Part 2: How Cooking From Scratch Can Save You Even More Money!
• How Cooking From Scratch Can Save You Money