Indulging in the luscious experience of biting into vibrant red strawberries is truly divine, wouldn't you agree? The delightful combination of sweet and sour juices can easily captivate anyone's taste buds. Beyond their mouthwatering appeal, these berries boast an array of health benefits, rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, B vitamins, and other essential minerals. However, no one desires a lacklustre, mushy strawberry that you get when you fail to use them in time. Identifying the freshest ones during the purchase is key and rest, preserve the unused strawberries so that you can enjoy them all year long.
Also Read: 5 Fruits And Vegetables You Should Never Store Together
How To Buy Ripe Strawberries - Follow These Tips:
1. Buy when in season:
Strawberries may be available throughout the year, but they should ideally be bought and stored during winter. It is the perfect season to cherish their fresh flavour. So, one of the most important factors to consider when buying these berries is to find them during winter.
2. Smell the Strawberries:
One of the best indicators of a stale strawberry is its smell. The freshest berries are the most fragrant. If you find their smell slightly mushy and unpleasant, do not buy them. Try purchasing strawberries from a local store rather than a supermarket, as they may have a fresher and juicier lot.
3. Examine the Outer Cover:
A fresh strawberry should be firm to the touch, bright red in colour, and free of moulds and bruises. Do not pick up green berries in a bid to ripen them at home, as they barely have any flavour. Also, fresh berries will have stems or caps fully attached to the fruit, bright green in colour, indicating they are fresh.
4. Get the right size:
Instead of picking up large-sized berries, opt for medium ones, as they tend to have more flavour and juices. Larger berries may be hollow inside and full of water, which can ruin the taste. Smaller berries may have a hard bottom packed with seeds.
Also Read: How To Properly Store Apples For Freshness And Flavour
Strawberries are a healthy and nutritious fruit.
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 3 Effective Ways To Store Strawberries:
Now that you have your fresh strawberries, here are some tips to store them for later enjoyment and make them last long:
1. Same Day:
Do not wash the strawberries after you have bought them unless you want to eat them immediately. Strawberries soak up water, which may make the berry mushy and inedible. Therefore, wash them right before consumption or use.
2. Up to a Week:
If you are not planning to eat the strawberries immediately, you should ideally freeze them to prevent spoilage. Even if you keep them in the fridge for a while to enjoy them slightly cold, make sure you wrap them in a paper towel to prevent dampness.
3. Up to a Year:
For long-term storage, consider freezing your strawberries. This method helps maintain their freshness for an extended period. Just ensure you wash and thoroughly dry them before freezing to avoid ice crystals. Remember to cut their stems and freeze them in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag.
How To Use Stored Strawberries:
Add these seasonal delights to your pies, and sauces, make strawberry salad, and cereals, or simply enjoy them as is. Preserving the essence of strawberries ensures you can relish their deliciousness throughout the year.