At this time of year, this is one of the most sought after fruits, but it is also one of the fruits that loses its firmness the fastest and ends up spoiling in the refrigerator. Still, there is a simple conservation trick that is back in circulation and promises to help prolong its freshness for several days, as long as it is applied right before storing it.
According to , the process does not just involve washing the strawberries under running water. The proposal involves a small amount of prior preparation, with few ingredients, which aims to reduce excessive humidity and prevent the appearance of mold, one of the main factors that accelerate the deterioration of this fruit.
A simple solution before saving them
According to the same website, the first step is to place the strawberries in an empty container or pot and separately prepare a solution of water and vinegar. The recommended proportion is ten parts water to one part vinegar, in an amount adjusted to the volume of fruit you intend to preserve.
Once this mixture is prepared, the strawberries should be submerged for about five minutes. The publication explains that this step could help preserve the fruit better, reducing the likelihood of signs of mold appearing soon after the strawberries enter the refrigerator.
It is, therefore, a homemade and accessible method, which does not require any specific product or special containers. The essential thing, according to the article, is to pre-treat the fruit before it is put back into storage.
The next step can make a difference
After five minutes, the strawberries must be drained carefully. From there, they can be returned to their original packaging or placed in another box at home, as long as you are prepared to control the humidity inside.
This is where one of the most important details of this tip comes in. Notícias ao Minuto reports that a sheet of kitchen paper placed inside the box can help absorb excess moisture, creating more favorable conditions for the strawberries to remain in better condition for longer.
This detail is especially relevant because accumulated moisture tends to accelerate the appearance of soft areas and signs of degradation. By controlling this factor, the likelihood of the fruit retaining its texture and appearance for longer days increases.
Why do they spoil so quickly?
Strawberries are particularly sensitive because they have a delicate surface and high water concentration. This combination causes them to deteriorate relatively easily, especially after being stored in the refrigerator.
Any excess humidity or lack of ventilation can accelerate this process. Therefore, it sometimes only takes a few days for the fruit to begin to lose firmness and show signs of degradation.
According to the same publication, washing with a solution of water and vinegar, combined with placing absorbent paper in the box, can be a practical way of slowing down this wear. The objective is to reduce humidity and prevent the appearance of mold.
Although it doesn’t turn strawberries into a long-lasting product, this tip could prove useful for those who want to avoid waste. For many consumers, the main advantage is the simplicity of the method, as all it takes is a little care before storing the fruit to try to keep it fresh for longer.
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