June 23, 2025, 12:43 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Strawberries are among the most popular fruits in summer—whether on cakes, with ice cream, or just plain. There’s only one downside: strawberries spoil quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to store them properly.
Although the name “strawberry” suggests it is a berry, botanically it is a false fruit that carries many small seeds. Botany aside–strawberries simply taste good. If you’ve harvested or bought more strawberries than you can consume, you should make an effort to store them properly.
Properly Storing Strawberries
The shelf life of strawberries is limited. As the Consumer Advice Center informs, they should be eaten or processed within one to two days after harvest or purchase. For short-term storage, it’s best to place them unwashed with the stem in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. Avoid moisture and pressure points to prevent rapid spoilage.
Unlike many other fruits, strawberries do not ripen after harvest. Additionally, their high water and sugar content promotes the rapid growth of bacteria and mold. The delicate fruit is almost unprotected from germs–unlike apples or citrus fruits, it lacks a protective, firm skin. Even slight pressure can damage the strawberry’s cell structure, causing it to spoil faster.
Washing Strawberries with Baking Soda–Is It Really Necessary?
Strawberries should be washed thoroughly just before consumption. To remove pesticide residues and dirt, it is indeed advisable to clean the fruit with baking soda. Researchers have already confirmed the positive effect. To do this, soak the strawberries in a baking soda bath for 15 minutes. Then rinse them with clear water and dry them carefully.
Freezing Strawberries to Extend Shelf Life
Frozen strawberries last the longest–they are good for six to eight months in the frozen state. To freeze them, wash the fruits, dry them thoroughly, and remove the stems. Then pre-freeze them on a tray to prevent sticking. Afterward, they can be transferred to a freezer bag or suitable container. Frozen strawberries are particularly good for smoothies or baking, such as in cakes.
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4 Common Mistakes When Storing Strawberries
A mistake can further shorten the already limited shelf life of strawberries. Therefore, the following should be avoided:
- Mistake: Washing strawberries before storing. Strawberries should not be washed before storing, as water promotes mold growth. It’s better to clean the fruits thoroughly just before consumption.
- Mistake: Not transferring strawberries. Strawberries are usually sold in baskets or trays where the berries are stacked. For storage, it’s better to spread them out side by side on a flat plate or in a wide bowl–ideally with some paper towels underneath.
- Mistake: Storing too warm or too cold. The optimal storage temperature for strawberries is between four and seven degrees Celsius. At high temperatures, the fruit spoils; at too low temperatures, the flavor and texture suffer.
- Mistake: Storing in a closed container. Good air circulation is important to prevent mold growth. Therefore, strawberries should not be stored in a closed plastic package or airtight container.
Too Many Strawberries?
“My father used to harvest so many strawberries that our family of four could hardly keep up with eating them. So it can indeed happen that you have more strawberries than you can use at once. Due to their poor shelf life, the fruits should be processed as quickly as possible. My favorite: strawberry jam. It’s not only quick to make but also incredibly delicious! Homemade jam also makes a wonderful gift for friends and family.”