How to Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer: 7 Expert Tips to Prevent Mold and Spoilage

Strawberries are delicious, vibrant, and packed with nutrients — but they also spoil quickly. Within a few days of buying them, you may notice mold or mushy spots starting to appear. Fortunately, a few simple tips can significantly extend their freshness and keep them mold-free for longer.

Here are 7 expert-backed tips to help your strawberries stay fresh and flavorful:

1. Don’t Wash Until You’re Ready to Eat

Moisture is the enemy of berry freshness. Washing strawberries too early can cause mold to grow quickly.
Tip: Only wash the berries right before you plan to eat or use them.

2. Use a Vinegar Bath to Kill Mold Spores

A quick vinegar rinse can eliminate mold spores without altering taste.
How-to:

Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water.
Soak strawberries for 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely.

This method can help prevent mold from forming in the first place.

3. Dry Them Thoroughly

Whether you use a vinegar rinse or not, drying is crucial. Any remaining moisture can lead to spoilage.
Drying methods:

Pat gently with paper towels.
Lay on a clean kitchen towel to air dry.
Use a salad spinner lined with paper towels for quicker drying.

4. Remove Damaged or Moldy Berries Immediately

One bad berry can spoil the bunch. If you spot any mushy, bruised, or moldy strawberries, remove them right away.
Mold spreads fast, so regular inspection is key.

5. Store in a Paper-Towel-Lined Container

After drying, line a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Storage tips:

Use a breathable container with the lid slightly ajar, or poke holes in the lid for ventilation.
Store the strawberries in a single layer if possible, to avoid bruising.

6. Keep Strawberries in the Fridge (but Not in the Crisper Drawer)

Strawberries last longest when stored in the refrigerator, but avoid the crisper drawer — it’s too humid.
Store them on a fridge shelf where air can circulate more freely.

7. Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you have more strawberries than you can use, freeze them!
How to freeze:

Wash, dry, and hull the strawberries.
Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Frozen strawberries are great for smoothies, baking, or sauces.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Hull Until You’re Ready to Use

Removing the green stems exposes the inner part of the berry, making them spoil faster. Keep the stems on until you’re about to eat or cook with them.

Conclusion

With just a few preventative steps, you can keep strawberries fresh, juicy, and mold-free for up to a week — or even longer. By reducing moisture, using vinegar rinses, and storing properly, you’ll waste less and enjoy more.