Have you ever brought home fresh strawberries or raspberries, put them in the fridge, and the next day were disappointed to find that they had become soft, watery, or even moldy? Horrible, right? There's nothing worse than throwing a beautiful, sweet fruit straight into the trash! But don't worry - there's a simple trick to prevent that from happening.
No, it's not about expensive special packaging or mysterious chemicals, but a completely natural method that you can use right out of the store. All you need is baking soda, a little patience, and a vacuum container. The result? Fresh and juicy strawberries and raspberries even after a week!
Why do strawberries and raspberries rot so quickly?
Strawberries and raspberries are delicate fruits, full of water and natural sugars – which is what makes them so delicious, but also extremely perishable. The main reasons for rapid rotting and mold are:
- Mold and bacteria – Already in the store or on the way home, microorganisms accumulate on the fruit, which accelerate the decomposition process.
- Moisture – if the fruit remains wet, this creates ideal conditions for mold growth.
- Improper storage – plastic packaging from the store retains moisture, which accelerates spoilage.
If you want to enjoy strawberries and raspberries for several days, you need to clean and store them properly. And this is exactly where our trick comes in!
The miracle formula for the olga of fresh strawberries and raspberries
1. A bath that kills bacteria and mold
When you get home, Never put strawberries and raspberries straight into the refrigerator.! First, give them a gentle cleansing bath that will remove any unwanted microorganisms.
- Pour into a large bowl cold water and add spoon of baking soda.
- Gently place the strawberries and raspberries in the water and let them soak for 15 minutes.
- Baking soda naturally kills bacteria and mold and removes any pesticides.
Don't worry – the taste of the fruit will not be changed, but it will be cleaner and more durable!
2. Perfect drying – the key to long-lasting freshness
After the bath, fruits drain gently and carefully place them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towelsLet it be completely drybefore storing them – any remaining moisture can cause mold. If necessary, you can gently pat them dry with a dry towel, but be careful not to damage them. Don't skip this step! Wet fruit = rapid mold.
3. Vacuum storage – a trick that works wonders
Once strawberries and raspberries are dry, they need to be stored properly. Plastic packaging from the store they are not a good choice, as they retain moisture and accelerate spoilage.
The best option is vacuum container or glass jar with a tight lidIf you don't have a vacuum system, use an airtight plastic or glass containerThis prevents air from entering and slows down oxidation.
4. Smart cooling – where to store them in the fridge?
Strawberries and raspberries do not belong on the coldest shelf as they can lose their texture too quickly. It is best to place them on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is stable. Never store them in the same drawer with apples or bananas – these fruits emit ethylene, which accelerates the ripening and spoilage of strawberries and raspberries!
Bonus trick: What if you don't have baking soda?
Instead of baking soda, you can also use a mixture of vinegar and water (ratio 1:3)This also kills mold and bacteria, but be careful not to use it after the bath. rinse well with clean waterso that no unpleasant sour aftertaste remains.
The result? Juicy, sweet, and fresh strawberries and raspberries that last for days, not hours!
By following this trick, you will preserve your favorite fruits at least one week, without any unpleasant surprises in the form of mold or softness.
