Who doesn’t like to munch on strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce while watching a movie?
The problem arises when you are about to dip your strawberry into the chocolate, and you notice a mold.
So, How long do strawberries last?
Here’s the short answer.
Fresh whole ones will last 1 to 2 days on the counter and 5 to 7 days in the fridge. When cut, they will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. It’s best not to keep cut strawberries out in the open.
How Long Can You Store Strawberries?
How long strawberries will last depends on how long ago they were grown. It’s best to get fresh strawberries so that you can get as much shelf life out of them as possible. Go for ones with bright green caps and rich red color.
Do not pick containers with moldy or crushed ones. Remember, the decay spreads rapidly, and once one is rotten, others will be too.
| Type | Room Temperature | Refrigerator |
| Fresh, whole | 1 to 2 days | 5 to 7 days |
| Fresh, cut | N/A | 3 to 4 days |
If you are going for flavor, the medium-sized ones are the best. Stay clear of the pink or white-tinged ones. If kept on the counter, strawberries will last a day or 2 days at most. But toss them in the crisper drawer, and you can enjoy them for 5 to 7 days. With cut strawberries, you can expect 3 to 4 days when refrigerated.
How long are strawberries good for in your pantry?
Are you planning on eating them immediately or on the same day of purchase? If so, leaving them on the countertop is not necessarily a bad thing. In that sense, they are just like cherries. The problem arises when you want to prolong its shelf life. For cut strawberries, they should not be left out in the open at all. They will start spoiling sooner than you know it.
Also Read: How Long Does Cantaloupe Last?
How long can strawberries last in the fridge?
If you want your strawberries to retain their quality for even a day, let alone a couple of days, refrigerate them. They are not sensitive to chilled temperatures, so there aren’t really any downsides to keeping them there for a while.
The crisper drawer is by far the best area to store strawberries in the refrigerator. If you get them in a plastic bag, transfer them cautiously into a plastic container. If possible, line it with paper towels to soak in the moisture. This way, they won’t be crushed by other vegetables like lettuce.
How long do strawberries last in the freezer?
You must have seen frozen strawberries in the market, so it is quite apparent that you can freeze them. According to Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the process is straightforward as well. Simply remove the stems, give them a good wash, and let them out to dry. Use some paper towels to absorb leftover water.
Get a baking sheet and lay the strawberries in single layers in a way that they do not touch one another. Toss the baking sheet into the freezer and leave it there till everything is thoroughly frozen. You can consider leaving it overnight.
Now, transfer the frozen berries into a freezer bag or a container. The added layer helps protect the berries from the temperature. Moreover, with the freezer bag, it is more convenient than storing the baking sheet in the freezer all the time.
How to Know If Strawberries Have Gone Bad?
If strawberries have gone bad, there are some signs that will indicate the same. You have to be on the lookout for signs to spot a spoiled strawberry. Here are some things to look for:
- Mold: Signs of white or gray mold
- Texture: Soft, bruised, or mushy
- Discoloration: Faded or unnatural color
- Odor: An odd or “funny” smell
These are but just the basic guidelines. At the end of the day, a lot will depend on your instincts. If you see a slightly punctured specimen, it is probably fine to consume. The same holds for strawberries with a few green patches. It simply means they were picked a little earlier than usual.
Why Are Rotten Strawberries Bad?
Rotten strawberries are bad, like any other spoiled fruit is bad. While the direct ill-effects of the rotten fruit are not established clearly, you can rest assured they are not good. There is a possibility that you might develop symptoms of food poisoning. Be it diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and more, there is no dearth of sicknesses that rotten fruits can cause.
Also Read: How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last?
So, it is best to steer clear of such dangerous circumstances. If you have doubts about your strawberries, simply stay away from them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do strawberries rot faster in the fridge?
Ans. As strawberries usually have mold spores on the surfaces, they tend to spoil faster if stored at room temperature. Storing them in the fridge gradually slows down the process of rot, and you get more time to enjoy them. Refrigeration is the best option if you are planning to keep the strawberries for more than a day.
Q2. Do strawberries need to be washed?
Ans. Strawberries that come pre-packaged in a box are usually washed more than once before being packaged. But if you get loose ones from the grocery store, the farm stand, or pluck some from your own backyard, washing is a must. They can contain ample dirt and residue from both processing and packing, and not to forget, pesticides and other iffy stuff.
Q3. How long until strawberries get moldy in fridge?
Ans. If you store strawberries well in the fridge, they will last you 5 to 7 days before starting to show mold growth. Keep their green stems on, and arrange them in a single layer on any shallow plate and line it with paper towel. Store them into a large plastic sealable bag and toss them into the refrigerator. This way, you can make the most out of strawberries before they start getting moldy.
Q4. Is it OK to wash mold off strawberries?
Ans. Strawberries are rarely something to be scared of. But when you see signs of mold, it is a definite sign of concern. When it comes to moldy fruits, always err on the side of caution. Quickly discard the berries that are moldy or are in contact with moldy berries. Wash the others well, and dry them thoroughly before storing them again.
Q5. What do you soak strawberries in before eating?
Ans. If you are trying to remove dirt, bacteria, or pesticides from strawberries, soak them in a vinegar solution. Saltwater baths also work wonders. These ensure they are clean and safe to consume.
The Bottom Line
Strawberries exude a kind of pomp and luxury rarely afforded by other fruits. Naturally, they are a pop culture fruit. Having said that, it is important to be careful with strawberries. It is not a good idea to experiment with your health, and with rotten strawberries, you never know how they might impact you.
All you need to settle on is how long you wish to store them. If you wish to consume them right away, keep them on the countertop. If you want to enjoy them for the next few days, toss them into the crisper drawer in the fridge. And if you plan to enjoy them even farther in time, consider freezing them.
