This Simple Hack Keeps Berries Fresh for a Longer Time

Why Fresh Berries Spoil So Quickly

It's commonly said you shouldn't wash berries until you're ready to eat them, as moisture accelerates spoilage. However, the real issue is that berries harbor mold spores that can cause rapid deterioration, quickly spreading through the entire batch.

Good news: A quick vinegar-water rinse can eliminate mold and bacteria, followed by drying the berries before storing them in the fridge. Here's how you can do it.

What You Need to Know Before You Begin

• This method works best for firm berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
• Fragile raspberries should get the classic "rinse right before eating" treatment with just plain water.
• The vinegar bath won't "cure" very moldy berries; it's best to pick those out and discard them right away.
• Berries that are super-ripe to begin with should be eaten within a couple of days.

The Best Way to Store Berries

Step 1. Use a Vinegar Bath to Eliminate Mold

Remove any berries showing even the slightest sign of mold. Mix 3 cups of cold water with 1 cup of white vinegar in a large bowl or salad spinner.

Submerge the berries and gently swirl them for about a minute.

Drain the berries, then rinse them thoroughly with fresh, cold water until any vinegar scent or flavor is completely gone.

Place the rinsed berries on a clean cloth or paper towels, and gently pat and roll them to remove excess moisture.

Step 2. Store Your Berries

If your berries came in a ventilated plastic clamshell, wash it with soap and hot water, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it. Then, line the container with a dry paper towel. Place the clean, dry berries back inside and store them in the fridge.

Ensure the ventilation holes at the top remain uncovered so air can circulate. If the berries aren't in a ventilated container, store them in a clean container lined with paper towels, leaving the lid slightly open to allow condensation to escape. Change the paper towels if they become damp.

While researching this tip, I found people concerned about berries tasting like vinegar after the soak. I can assure you from personal experience, they don't.

I used regular white vinegar and only soaked the berries for a couple of minutes. After a quick rinse, there was no trace of vinegar smell or taste. My berries stayed fresh for several days. How long they last depends on their ripeness when you first buy them, but this method certainly gives them a much better shot at lasting longer.