Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh strawberries, but keeping them fresh can be a challenge. Strawberries have a high water and sugar content, making them susceptible to bacteria and mold growth. This means they typically last only up to four days in the fridge. But there’s a simple five-minute trick to extend their shelf life by up to two weeks.
On the Reddit forum, Eat Cheap and Healthy, a user shared their frustration with strawberries going bad quickly. Many commenters suggested washing the strawberries in a vinegar solution to combat the growth of bacteria and mold. This is because the acetic acid in vinegar has antimicrobial properties.
Here’s how to do it: Fill a bowl with 1200ml of cold water and 240ml of white vinegar. Submerge the strawberries in the solution for exactly two minutes. Do not soak them longer than this, as they could develop a vinegary aftertaste. After two minutes, remove the strawberries and pat them dry on a tea towel. Make sure they’re completely dry before putting them in the fridge to prevent mold growth. Store them in a container with a lid and line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
This simple vinegar bath hack takes less than five minutes and can keep your strawberries fresh for up to two weeks longer. You can also try this method with other fruits, such as blueberries and raspberries, to extend their shelf life.
By following this simple trick, you can enjoy fresh, delicious strawberries throughout the summer and save money on your grocery bill.
