Strawberries are a true British summer staple – sweet, juicy, and the perfect addition to everything from picnics to pavlovas. But while they’re delicious, they’re also notoriously quick to spoil. You might buy plump and bright in the punnet, but the next time they’ve turned soft and fuzzy with mould.
Thankfully, experts say there’s a simple trick that could keep them fresher for far longer. With food waste on the rise, many British households are looking for easy ways to make their produce last. And strawberries, which are among the most commonly binned fruits in the UK, are a prime example.
Sophie Trueman, Country Director UK & Ireland at Too Good To Go, said: “Strawberries are one of Britain’s favourite summer berries – but sadly, they’re also among the most commonly wasted.”
She added: “With their short shelf life, they can go from perfectly ripe to mushy in just a few days.
“The good news is, a simple storage trick can help them last longer; by soaking strawberries in a mix of water and a splash of vinegar, households can keep them fresher for up to a week.”
Waste experts at Wheeldon Brothers agree – and go one step further. They even vow that the right wash and storage method can keep strawberries fresh for up to three weeks.
“Strawberries are among the most commonly wasted fruits in UK households, and it’s largely down to poor storage,” a spokesperson said.
“Their soft skin makes them especially prone to mould, and supermarket plastic packaging traps moisture — the perfect environment for spoilage.”
Instead, they recommend washing the berries in a diluted vinegar solution, drying them thoroughly, and storing them in a clean, airtight glass jar.
“By following a few easy steps — including washing in a vinegar solution, thoroughly drying, and storing in a sterilised glass jar — households can keep strawberries fresh for up to three weeks,” the spokesperson explained.
“This method limits exposure to air and bacteria, which are the two biggest contributors to mould growth.”
This method results in firmer berries, longer-lasting flavour, and eventually, less waste.
“Most people are lucky to get three or four days out of a punnet, but using this method can give you up to 15–21 days of fresh, firm strawberries,” the experts added.
Freezing is another great way to make strawberries go further, with the experts suggesting: “Once the berries are washed and dried, pop them into a sealable bag or airtight container and store in the freezer.
“Frozen strawberries are perfect for smoothies, baking, or even homemade ice cream — and they’ll keep for up to a year.”