Strawberries are one of Britain’s best-loved fruits, especially during the summer months. Supermarket shelves are usually packed with delicious-looking fruit, but looks can sometimes be deceiving. That’s why knowing how to spot the best ones could make a big difference to their taste and how long they last.
Luckily, a professional chef has now shared five essential things everyone should know before buying strawberries, and it might change how you shop for them. Cristian Feher, who runs the popular YouTube channel Food Chain TV, has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. In a recent video, he explained exactly what to look for to get the best berries.
According to Chef Feher, the first thing to know is that strawberries don’t continue to ripen after they’re picked.
This means what you see in the store is what you get; they won’t get any sweeter once you bring them home.
He explained that the longer a strawberry stays on the plant, the sweeter it becomes, because it has more time to develop sugars.
Within the same variety, a larger strawberry is usually sweeter than a smaller one.
Another important tip is to check the green leafy tops, known as caps. “As soon as a strawberry is picked, it starts to spoil,” Chef Feher said.
If the caps are turning brown, it’s a sign that the strawberries are already going off. Instead, look for ones with fresh, bright green tops.
Colour also plays a big role. Chef Feher said the best strawberries are bright red. If they’re dark red, they’re likely starting to spoil, and if they’re pale, with green or white spots, they didn’t ripen enough before picking.
He also advised checking how firm the berries are. While soft strawberries can still taste good, firm ones will last longer, so they’re better if you want them to stay fresh for a few days.
Finally, how you store strawberries at home can make a huge difference. Chef Feher recommended cutting off the tops, slicing the strawberries in half, and storing them in a single layer in the fridge.
This slows down the spoiling process and helps them stay fresh longer.
