May 13, 2025 in Lifestyle

How to Wash & Store Strawberries

There’s nothing better than cracking open a punnet of strawberries and finding them perfectly red, juicy, and ready to eat. The trick is making sure they stay that way once you get them home. If you’ve ever noticed your punnet turning soft or mouldy after just a couple of days, you’re not alone. With the right washing and storing techniques, you can keep your strawberries fresher for longer and enjoy every last berry at its best.

At Driscoll’s, we’ve been growing and sharing your favourite strawberries for generations, and have added our Sweetest Batch Strawberries to the mix, too! Here’s our simple, expert guide to caring for your berries once you bring them home.

Why Proper Strawberry Care Matters?

Unlike firmer fruits such as apples or pears, strawberries have thin skins and high water content, which makes them more vulnerable to bruising and mould. Even a little extra moisture can create the perfect environment for bacteria and mould spores to grow, causing your berries to spoil quickly.

That’s why how you wash and store them really matters. With a few easy steps, you can help your strawberries stay juicy, sweet, and delicious to eat.

How to Wash Strawberries

Strawberries should always be washed before eating, but timing and technique are key. Here’s the best way to do it:

Step 1: Wait until you’re ready to eat

It can be tempting to wash the whole punnet as soon as you bring it home, but washing too early is a fast track to soft, mushy berries. Why? Because strawberries naturally absorb water. When excess moisture sits on their surface, it breaks down their skin, speeds up mould growth, and shortens their shelf life. For the freshest results, only wash what you’re about to eat.

Step 2: Rinse gently

When you’re ready to enjoy them, place the strawberries in a colander and rinse under cold running water, using your fingers to gently rub away any dirt. If you’d like a more thorough clean, soak the berries in a bowl of cold water with a splash of white vinegar (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for 1–2 minutes. The vinegar helps kill surface bacteria and mould spores. Make sure to rinse well afterwards to remove any vinegar taste.

Step 3: Dry with care

After rinsing, spread the strawberries out on a clean tea towel or paper towel. Pat them dry gently, without rubbing, to avoid bruising the skin. Ensuring the berries are completely dry before eating or storing is essential, as moisture is the number one reason strawberries spoil too soon.

How to Store Strawberries for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is just as important as washing. Here’s how to make your punnet last:

- Keep them unwashed until use: Store strawberries in the fridge in their original punnet or transfer them to a shallow container lined with paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Give them breathing room: If possible, arrange the berries in a single layer rather than piling them up. This helps prevent bruising and slows down spoilage.
- Avoid airtight containers (unless berries are fully dry): Moisture trapped inside a sealed container encourages mould growth, so ventilation is key.
- Remove damaged berries promptly: One mouldy strawberry can quickly affect the rest of the punnet. Check your berries daily and remove any that show signs of bruising or mould.
- Freeze for long-term storage: If you can’t finish your punnet in time, strawberries freeze beautifully. Wash, dry, and hull them (remove the green tops), then spread them on a tray in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen strawberries are perfect for using in recipes for smoothies, baking, or sauces.

Recapping Driscoll’s Quick Tips

Only wash the berries you’re about to eat.
Keep them dry until serving for maximum freshness.
Handle gently; strawberries bruise easily.
Store in the fridge and enjoy within a few days for the best flavour and texture.

At Driscoll’s, we’re proud to be your trusted berry experts, here to help you make the most of Australia’s freshest strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries!

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