May 13, 2025 in Lifestyle

Easy Hacks on How to Care for Your Berries

Berries are one of life’s sweetest pleasures, but they’re also among the most delicate fruits. A punnet of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries can go from perfectly plump to soft and spoiled in just a few days if not handled with care. That’s why knowing the best way to store, wash, and enjoy your berries makes all the difference.

At Driscoll’s, we’ve grown and cared for berries for generations, so we know what it takes to keep them fresher for longer. Follow these berry care tips and you’ll enjoy every last bite.

For the Berry Lover Who Wants Them Now

Rinse Before You Snack

If you’re planning to eat your berries straight away, a gentle rinse under cool running water is all you need. Don’t soak them in a bowl, as berries can absorb excess water and lose their flavour and texture.

Pat Dry for Best Results

After rinsing, use a paper towel or clean tea towel to gently pat the berries dry. Moisture left on the surface speeds up spoilage, so drying them well ensures they stay fresh until you’re ready to snack.

For the Berry Lover Who’s Waiting for the End of the Week

Refrigerate in the Right Container

For short-term storage, keep your berries in the fridge. The best option is a breathable container that allows for some air circulation. If you leave them in sealed plastic bags or containers, trapped moisture can cause them to go fuzzy quickly, and nobody wants that!

Use Paper Towels to Absorb Moisture

Lining your container with paper towels helps absorb excess moisture, keeping the berries dry and fi rm. Check the paper towel every couple of days and replace it if it becomes damp.

Avoid Washing Until You’re Ready

It may be tempting to wash your berries as soon as you bring them home, but this actually shortens their shelf life. Only rinse the portion you plan to eat, leaving the rest unwashed until you’re ready for them.

Tip: raspberries are the most delicate and usually last just a couple of days, while strawberries and blueberries are a little sturdier.

For the Berry Lover Who Wants them Forever

Spread Them Out First

If you want your berries to last longer than a few days, freezing is the way to go. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until fi rm. This prevents the berries from sticking together.

Store in Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers

Once frozen, transfer your berries into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn.

How to Use Frozen Berries

Frozen berries are perfect in recipes for smoothies, baking, sauces, and desserts. While they may lose a little firmness once thawed, their flavour and nutrients will remain intact and ready to give you a berry boost.

What Not to Do

Even with the best intentions, a few common mistakes can cause your berries to spoil sooner than they should:

Don’t store berries in sealed plastic bags.
Don’t wash the whole punnet in advance.
Don’t leave berries out at room temperature, especially in warm weather.

Why Proper Berry Care Matters

Looking after your berries properly means you get to enjoy their flavour, colour, and nutritional benefits for as long as possible. It also helps reduce food waste, so you can savour more berries without the disappointment of throwing any away.

At Driscoll’s, we’re passionate about sharing the best berry tips so you can enjoy them at their very best, whether you’re snacking, baking, or blending.

The Best of Berries

With just a few simple berry care habits, you can make your punnets last longer and taste fresher. Remember: keep them dry, store them in breathable containers, and only wash what you need.

For more detailed advice, explore our guides on how to wash raspberries and how to wash and store strawberries.

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