Here’s How to Store Strawberries the Right Way

Sweet, fragrant strawberries are a true summer treat but they're also fragile, going from zero to moldy before you know it. To save you from that disappointment, we’ll share how to store strawberries so they stay fresh for as long as possible. All the better for having peak-season berries to snack on, jammy, roasted strawberries to pile atop yogurt or oatmeal or any number of delicious strawberry desserts. But first, keep reading for our best strawberry storage tips.

Ways to store strawberries

You'd hardly think of these juicy fruits as controversial, but the topic of storing strawberries is as divisive as some sports rivalries. Team vinegar swears by dunking strawberries in an acidic solution to kill and prevent any mold, while the opposition says, "Absolutely not. Moisture is the enemy of fresh berries!" Then there's the whole debate about what container is best for storage. One camp claims that airtight containers (mason jars, even) are a must; another declares, "Berries need air to circulate or there will be mold!" So who's correct?

We'll dive into the advantages of each method so that by the end, you'll be able to choose the best way to prolong the life of these precious red gems and enjoy them before they go bad.

Should I store strawberries in the fridge?

As soon as you bring home strawberries, pick out any that are moldy or bruised and discard them. Much like how one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel, one moldy berry can spread the fungi to its neighbors in the pint. If you're eating the strawberries the same or next day, keep them on the counter for the optimal flavor and texture. Otherwise, refrigerate the berries to extend their lifespan and let them sit at room temp before serving — taking the chill off of berries makes them taste better.

strawberries in water glass bowl reddish background

annick vanderschelden photography

To wash or not to wash?

Should I wash strawberries before storing them?

If you are planning to enjoy the strawberries in two or three days, you can simply refrigerate them unwashed then wash them before consuming. While in the fridge, keep them in a single layer, such as on a sheet pan that's lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture.

If you're aiming for longer-term storage then the vinegar method can help the fruit last up to one week: Simply dunk the strawberries in a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts cold water), then rinse with cool water afterward. Just be sure to thoroughly dry the berries after rinsing, otherwise, the excess moisture can reintroduce the mold you tried to destroy in the first place. You can do this by placing the drained berries in a salad spinner lined with a few layers of paper towels then gently spinning them until dry.

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Should I store strawberries in an airtight container?

It's possible to keep unwashed strawberries fresh when refrigerated in a mason jar. However, this is only feasible for a small amount of berries and because they are stacked high, the ones on the bottom are more likely to be mushed. A more practical way is to use a wide, shallow container with holes that allow air to circulate around the strawberries, such as the plastic container they came in, lining the bottom and separating each layer of berries with paper towels.

a group of sliced strawberries against a turquoise background

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Cutting strawberries in advance shortens their fridge life

Can I store cut strawberries?

Here's one thing all kitchen pros agree on: You should not cut strawberries before storing them (unless they're bound for the freezer; more on that later). Strawberries last the longest when left whole and unhulled (green tops intact).

How long will strawberries last in the fridge?

Three to seven days depending on how they're stored and the conditions in your chill chest. So it's best to buy only as many berries as you think will be consumed in the next few days.