Expiration & Storage Tips
When does strawberry expire?
Strawberries, once purchased, usually have a fridge-life of about a week, but this can vary a bit based on how ripe they were when you brought them home. If you bought quite ripe strawberries, they might only last 2-3 days in the fridge. Keep in mind that strawberries don't ripen after being picked. If stored in the freezer, strawberries can last up to a year. However, their texture might become mushy when thawed, but they will still be great for use in cooked dishes or smoothies.
How do you tell if strawberry is bad?
A bad strawberry is easily identifiable. If it has a slightly spongy texture and a dull appearance, it's past its prime but still okay to eat once the bad parts are removed. However, if the strawberry is shriveled, moldy (whitish-gray fuzz), overly soft, discolored, or has a fermented smell, it's best to discard it to avoid health issues. Also, rotten strawberries will often leak fluid and start to disintegrate.
Tips for storing strawberry to extend shelf life
• Never wash strawberries before storing; the moisture can quicken their rotting process. Wash them just before eating or cooking.
• Store strawberries in the refrigerator, preferably in a drawer with high humidity to keep them fresh.
• Keep the strawberries in their original ventilated container, or set them in a shallow bowl covered with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• If you need to store them longer, freeze the strawberries. First, wash, hull, and dry them thoroughly. Afterwards, spread them out on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed container. This way, they won't clump together.