Recipe: Cherry & Strawberry Storage

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3 Rules for Storing Strawberries & Cherries

1. Wash as you go. Wash strawberries & cherries only before eating them. This is important for two reasons. Fruit are like sponges, so once wet, they soak up every bit of moisture, making them more likely to get mushy and spoil faster. Also, wet fruits are more apt to get moldy.
2. Leave the stems on as long as possible. Keeping the stems on until you’re about to eat the strawberries will prolong their shelf life.
3. Don’t let one fruit spoil the whole bunch. If you notice any moldy fruit in the container, remove them immediately. Mold spreads easily, so it’s best to remove any spoiled fruit before they ruin the rest of the bunch.

Places to Store Strawberries & Cherries

1. Right away? Store on the countertop. If you plan to use strawberries the day you bring them home, there’s no need to put them in the fridge. You can leave them at room temperature on the kitchen counter.
2. In a few days?If you don’t plan to eat your strawberries or cherries the day or so after you bring them home, the best place for them is in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. It helps to maintain humidity and keep the berries from losing moisture and becoming dry. Remove the berries from their original container, and store them whole and unwashed in a partially-closed container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, preferably in a single layer so they don’t get crushed. They should last up to five to seven days. Bring fruit to room temperature before eating for best flavor.
3. This winter? In the freezer.If you don’t have plans to use strawberries within a few days of bringing them home, your best bet is to freeze them. Remove the stems, halve or slice them if you like, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Store in an airtight container or ziptop freezer bag.