How to store berries

There is nothing more delicious than fresh berries, and nothing worse than craving those berries and reaching for them, only to find that they have gone bad.

According to North Carolina chef Fred Tiess, storing berries to make them last longer is easy.

Fred Tiess is a Master Instructor at the College of Food Innovation and Technology at the Johnson and Wales Charlotte Campus. He is the author of The reference book for chefs And The flavors of the season.

Best place to store berries

Store them in the refrigerator at 40°F or below after they have been thoroughly washed and drained, Tiess recommends.

For all ready-to-eat foods such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, there are some important storage aspects to consider.

Choose

Choosing the berries that will last the longest starts in the store or at the market. There, the berries should have a strong color and no brown spots or discoloration.

Clean

At home, the berries should be prepared for proper storage by removing all bacteria and dirt.

In a bowl, mix three cups of cold water with one cup of white vinegar.
Gently submerge the berries and remove them with a slotted spoon. Shake the berries to remove excess water.

Dry

Place the berries on a baking sheet lined with kitchen paper and let them drain off any remaining water before storing.

Cool

Berries should be stored in the refrigerator. According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should “store perishable fresh fruits and vegetables (such as strawberries, lettuce, herbs and mushrooms) in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below.”

Can berries be stored on the counter?

It depends on how long. Berries are very perishable, so after washing, Tiess says they can be kept on the countertop for several hours if you plan to use them the same day. Otherwise, the berries should be placed in the refrigerator for storage.

How long do berries last in the fridge?

Berries can be up to five days when stored properly, says Tiess.

“Normally (holding berries) three to five days “The yield depends on the harvest source and handling,” he explains.

Can you freeze berries?

Yes. If you have berries that are about to go bad, freezing them is an easy option for later use. Here’s what Tiess suggests:

Place the washed berries on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Then, flash freeze them individually—instead of putting them directly into a freezer-safe bag or storage container. “This process prevents (the berries) from freezing together,” Tiess says.
Remove the flash-frozen berries from the tray and place them in a freezer-safe bag or storage container. Be sure to label and date them properly.

Best place to store berries