Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the hot months, but they are also one of the fruits that spoil the fastest. To prevent them from becoming soft or moldy after a few days, a cooking teacher recommends a simple gesture before storing them in the refrigerator: washing the strawberries in a mixture of water and vinegar.
The suggestion comes from food writer and cooking teacher Sheri Castle, cited by the portal, who argues that this method helps to remove bacteria and mold spores present on the surface of the fruit. According to the expert, this small task can prolong the freshness of strawberries for several days and, in some cases, up to about two weeks.
The process does not require expensive products or complicated techniques. Simply prepare a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water, using common kitchen vinegar, and soak the strawberries for about ten minutes. The green leaves must remain on the fruit during this stage, to prevent water from entering the inside more easily.
The step that makes a difference
After bathing in vinegar, the strawberries must be drained well and rinsed under cold running water to remove any residual taste or smell. This rinsing is important so that the fruit remains pleasant to the taste, maintaining only the benefit of the initial cleaning.
The next step is considered essential: drying the strawberries very well before storing them. Accumulated humidity accelerates the appearance of mold and can nullify the effect of the method, so the fruit should be as dry as possible before entering the refrigerator.
Sheri Castle suggests using a salad spinner lined with kitchen paper to remove excess water without damaging the fruit. Alternatively, the strawberries can be placed on absorbent paper and dried carefully, without crushing them.
How to store in the refrigerator
When they are completely dry, the strawberries should be placed in a clean container with a lid, lined with paper towel. This paper helps absorb moisture that may form during conservation.
The expert also recommends that the container is not closed completely airtight. The ideal is to leave the lid slightly open, to allow some air circulation and prevent condensation from accumulating inside.
After that, just store the strawberries in the fridge and check the condition of the fruit over the days. If any fruit begins to show signs of mold or deterioration, it must be removed immediately to avoid contaminating the rest.
Method helps avoid waste
This trick has become popular because it is simple, cheap and quick to apply. For those who buy strawberries frequently, it can be a practical way to reduce food waste and make better use of each package.
Still, the result may vary according to the initial stage of the fruit, the degree of ripeness and the way it was transported before arriving home. Strawberries that are already very ripe or damaged will hardly last as long, even with this care.
The method does not replace basic attention to conservation, but it can make a difference when applied soon after purchase. The main rule is simple: wash with water and vinegar, rinse, dry very well and store in the cold with absorbent paper.
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