How long strawberries can be stored - a database of shelf life.
Strawberries are the most delicate berry that pleases us in the summer.
It is not only tasty and fragrant, but also very useful.
A lot of vitamins, the necessary microelements, and also this great way cheer up. However, strawberries are a rather perishable product.
Where and how long can you store strawberries at home?
So that it does not deteriorate and retains its useful properties as much as possible, taste qualities, appearance.
Where to store strawberries at home
Strawberries are about 80% liquid, which does not contribute to their long-term storage. It is easily crumpled and deformed even with a slight impact. In addition, the berry, due to its protruding seeds and pores, may contain dust, dirt particles that can cause rotting. Therefore, the storage of strawberries must be taken very responsibly.
Before telling you where to store strawberries at home, it should be noted where it definitely CANNOT be stored:
- indoors at room temperature and above - the berry can quickly ferment or become moldy
- in non-enamelled metal dishes - acids contained in strawberries can react with metal
- in tightly sealed containers - evaporation of the liquid from the berries can lead to the rapid growth of mold.
Where can strawberries be stored at home? The rules are:
a) cool, ideal - in the refrigerator at a temperature not higher than 6 degrees above zero
b) in plastic, glass or, in extreme cases, enameled containers
c) loosely closed - it is best to cover the vessel with a cloth or paper to ensure air exchange.
This applies to storage in the usual section of the refrigerator. However, strawberries can be stored at home and in the freezer. The third option is to store strawberries with sugar. Freezer and/or sugar-coated options are rated for more long-term storage berries at home.
How to store strawberries at home
No matter how you decide to store strawberries at home, they must be prepared for storage. This applies to both berries grown on their own beds, and those purchased from individuals or in a store.
The preparation process is as follows:
- if you are picking strawberries yourself, it is best to do so when they are dry
- sort through all the berries one by one, looking from all sides
- even slightly spoiled strawberries need to be removed - not only will they spoil themselves, they will also “infect” the neighbors
we also reject rumpled and damaged berries - you can eat them, cook jam, compote from them, put them in a pie
- tails do not need to be cut
- for storage we take berries of full maturity; overripe or underripe are not good
- in no case should you wash strawberries before storing them at home!
If you need strawberries to last several days, put them in a glass or plastic utensils. Ideally, the berries do not touch each other. However, with significant volumes, this is unrealistic to achieve. Then it is necessary to shift the berries as carefully as possible so as not to damage or crush.
One great utensil option for storing strawberries is a colander or sieve. Berries "breathe" through the pores. But large portions in such containers should not be put.
Dishes with berries cannot be tightly closed, but you need to cover them. For this, a light cloth such as gauze, a kitchen linen napkin, a thin towel or a circle of paper is suitable.
One of the rules for storing strawberries at home is to be sure to review the berries after a while. Great once a day or at least every other day. We carefully sort out the berries, revealing spoiled, wrinkled, overripe. We remove them from the total mass.
If you decide to store the berries frozen, then they need to be laid out on a flat surface so that they do not touch each other. Then place in the freezer compartment. After an hour or two, the berries should completely freeze. They must be carefully transferred to a bag or plastic container and sent back to the freezer. A berry frozen in this way will not freeze into a single mass. If desired, you can take as much as you need.
However, such storage requires a certain place, because individually frozen berries, poured together, have gaps between each other. If you plan to use berries without preserving their integrity, for example, in jelly or for filling a pie, strawberries can be cut into pieces or mashed. Then freeze as needed.
The third way to store strawberries at home is with sugar. To do this, properly prepared garden gifts must be carefully rinsed, dried on a napkin or towel and chopped. A blender will do, crush, just a spoon. Mix mashed strawberries with sugar in a ratio of 1: 1.5. Arrange in clean containers, close, put in the refrigerator. If necessary, take it out and use it as a jam - all vitamins are stored here, and also used in various dishes and drinks.
If you do not need so much sugar, then we reduce its amount, but then it is better to put the strawberries in the freezer or use them within the next weeks.
How long to store strawberries at home
An important question is not only where, how, but also how much to store strawberries at home. Especially when you consider that often strawberries are intended for consumption by children who have a relatively weak gastrointestinal tract. It is very important that for their nutrition the berry is completely safe and as useful as possible. To do this, it must be taken into account that the shelf life of fresh strawberries is rather short.
How much to store strawberries at home is directly related to the storage temperature. At room temperature, you should not keep the berry for more than half a day. And then, provided that all of it is of high quality and not damaged.
Strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator:
At a temperature of 3 to 6 degrees above zero - within three days, subject to the storage rules, namely: plastic or glassware, properly prepared strawberries, loosely covered
At a temperature of 0 to 2-3 degrees above zero - within five days, subject to all the rules for the preparation and storage of berries, as well as their periodic inspection for damage and removal of rumpled, rotten, moldy, overripe specimens
At a temperature below zero in a freezer - within a year, if the berry was properly prepared, frozen and all storage conditions are observed, defrosting of the finished product is not allowed
Mashed berry sprinkled with sugar in a ratio of 1:1.5 in a closed container in a regular refrigerator - within one year, if observed temperature regime no more than 6 degrees above zero
Mashed berries sprinkled with sugar in a ratio of 1:1, in a closed container on the shelves of the refrigerator with a temperature of no more than 6 degrees above zero - for two to three months.
The golden rule of fresh strawberries is to buy them in the amount that you can eat in a day.
The reason for this is the rapid deterioration of this product. If for some reason there were more berries than needed, you know where, how and how much you can store strawberries at home.
If you violate some storage rule, do it simply - cook the berry, getting delicious jam, jam, compote. It is better not to risk your health and not store berries longer than expected.
Strawberries are called the queen of berries, and for good reason, because they are tasty, healthy and visually attractive. Since ancient times, strawberries have resembled a heart, so strawberries are associated with love experiences, vivid and juicy memories. Speaking about the beneficial qualities of the berry, it should be noted the high content of vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, which contributes to the enrichment of the body, helps with diabetes, prevents heart disease, reduces sweating.
How to store strawberries
The most optimal is the use of strawberries in fresh. But if necessary, leave the strawberries for a couple of days, unwashed, they can be laid out on a dish and left in a cool place. At room temperature, fresh berries will lie for 2-3 days.
How to store strawberries in the refrigerator
Strawberries are very juicy berries that release juice upon contact with water. In order to prolong the shelf life of strawberries, do not wash them before placing them in the refrigerator.
Storage instructions:
- Put the purchased strawberries out of the bag and remove the spoiled berries.
- Take a tray and cover it with a layer of paper towel.
- Put the berries on a tray in a single layer so that they do not touch each other.
- Cover the top with a paper towel and refrigerate relative temperature 2-5 degrees Celsius.
How to freeze strawberries properly
If there are a lot of berries and they cannot be eaten in the coming days, it is better to freeze the strawberries. Frozen strawberries are convenient to use as needed, they retain their shape, but may lose some of their useful qualities when deep frozen.
Freezing instructions:
- Wash fresh berries and remove leaves.
- Remove spoiled or unripe berries.
- Lay the strawberries out on a paper towel to dry.
- Prepare a dish or tray on which to lay the strawberries in a single layer.
- Place the container in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, after setting the mode of emergency freezing of berries.
- Then take out the berries and put them in a bag, removing air from it.
- Place the bag in the freezer for long-term storage.
You can store strawberries in the freezer for up to a year.
How long do strawberries last in the refrigerator
The storage temperature of strawberries directly affects its shelf life:- at temperatures from +2 to +5 ° C - 2-3 days;
- at a temperature of -2-0 ° C - about a week;
- at temperatures from -12 to -5 ° C - 2-4 months;
- at temperatures from -20 to -14 ° C - 10-12 months.
It consists of some advantages, but this, perhaps, concerns only its taste. If we evaluate this berry according to the criterion of safety, then it loses in many respects to its other brothers. She is very capricious and requires a special approach for storage.
How to store fresh strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are very sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Therefore, if you have purchased or collected fresh strawberries from the garden and are going to use them during the day, then you should not put them in the refrigerator or basement, it is better to leave the berries at room conditions. For the same reason, it is not recommended to wash strawberries in advance; it is better to do this immediately before use.
How to store fresh strawberries in the refrigerator?
If you need to keep fresh strawberries for several days, then you need to put the berries in the refrigerator. To do this, we place them in a container or in a low tray. Ideally, if it is possible to spread the berries in one layer, without touching each other. This way they will last as long as possible. If this is not possible, it is better to put the berries in a colander. This will ensure maximum air access to them.
Be sure to sort the strawberries before placing them in the refrigerator. The storage of moldy berries is not allowed. Even the smallest hearth with mold on one berry can ruin the entire stock.
With a large volume of berries, you can sprinkle them with granulated sugar. In this case, it is necessary to sort out the strawberries, wash, peel the sepals and put them in a glass or enameled container, sprinkling each layer with granulated sugar. Such strawberries can be stored on the shelf of the refrigerator for two weeks.
How to store strawberries in the freezer?
The season for strawberries is not long, and to keep them fresh for several months, you can put the berries in the freezer. To do this, we must sort out the strawberries, get rid of spoiled and crushed specimens, and get rid of the rest sepals. Ideally, if the berries are harvested in their garden and completely clean. In this case, you can not wash them, but immediately place them in a container or put them in a freezer bag and send them to the freezer compartment.
If the strawberries are purchased or contain an admixture of sand or earth, be sure to wash and dry them, spreading them in one layer on a towel.
After that, we place it in one layer in the freezer and after the berries are slightly frozen, we put them in a bag or container and place them in the freezer for further storage.
End of May, beginning of June. Strawberries appear on the shelves of markets and markets, one of the most beloved berries, the taste and smell of which is remembered forever almost from the very beginning. early childhood unless, of course, you were allergic to it. Besides the fact that strawberries are extremely delicious berry It is rich in vitamins and minerals. With this very real vitamin complex blood is cleansed, immunity is increased, the work of the stomach, kidneys and the entire urinary system improves. In cosmetology, strawberries are widely used for masks that improve the condition of the skin of the face. The strawberry period is short, only a few weeks, and you really want to keep this taste of summer longer! How and where to store strawberries correctly so that they retain the maximum useful properties, we will tell in this article.
How to properly store strawberries
Strawberries are extremely fragile and sensitive berries that spoil quickly. The berry can be stored very little, it is damaged by the slightest pressure. by the most the best option is the use of strawberries immediately after purchase or harvest. When buying, you need to pay attention to the color and hardness of the berry. It should be bright red in color, without dents or dark spots.
In fact, there are three ways to store strawberries:
- at room temperature (no more than 8 hours);
- in the refrigerator (no more than 5 days)
- in the freezer (up to 12 months.
How to store strawberries in the refrigerator
If you bought strawberries with a margin, then you can put them in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. Arrange the strawberries in one layer and cover with foil.
Storage temperature
In the upper compartment of the refrigerator at a temperature of + 2-6 ° C, strawberries can be stored for up to 2 days. And if you put it in the lower compartment with a temperature of up to +2, then you can store strawberries there for up to five days.
We also want to note that you should not store strawberries in plastic container in which it is sold. After the purchase, it is necessary to transfer the berries to a container that is more suitable for storage, optimally - as breathable as possible.
Important points when storing strawberries
Never wash strawberries. This berry, like a sponge, absorbs any moisture. Washed strawberries drastically reduce their shelf life, especially in the refrigerator. Just wipe each berry with a napkin.
Sorting strawberries after harvesting or purchasing them. It is worth remembering that just one berry can ruin all your strawberry stocks, because. mold tends to spread very quickly.
Choose the right storage utensils. Strawberries need to breathe, so a ventilated wooden or cardboard box is ideal. Also, do not put many layers of strawberries in one container.
How to save strawberries for the winter
- Freeze with whole berries;
- Freeze strawberries with sugar;
- Freeze in the form of puree;
- Cook compotes or jams.
How to freeze whole strawberries
To freeze strawberries with whole berries, you need to choose ripe, freshly picked berries. You can determine freshness by cuttings and leaves. If they are twisted or have lost their bright green color, then these strawberries are best used for processing.
It will be correct if you first wash the strawberries, put them on a paper towel so that the water is glass and only then peel them from the stalks. You need to freeze the berries in portions on a tray so that they do not touch each other. And only after preliminary freezing, you can pour the berries into a bag and put in the freezer. Thus, it will be possible to take out fresh frozen strawberries in portions, as needed.
In this form, strawberries can be stored for up to 10 months.
How to freeze strawberries with sugar
To freeze strawberries with sugar, you will need 200 g of sugar for every kilogram of strawberries. First, rinse the berries and cut them into halves, then place them in a tightly closed container, such as a zip bag, and sprinkle with sugar.
How to freeze mashed strawberries
You can also puree the strawberries and put it in ice cubes. You can freeze strawberry puree with or without sugar. To preserve the color of strawberry puree as much as possible, sprinkle it with lemon juice before freezing.
Strawberries are the queen of all berries! Its unsurpassed aroma and juicy taste will not leave anyone indifferent. And besides an explosion of taste sensations, this wonderful berry is good for its high content of vitamin C and healthy folic acid. Thanks to its regular use in food, you will not only get gastronomic pleasure, but also strengthen your immunity.
Unfortunately, the ripening time of strawberries is very short, and in order to use this wonderful berry for as long as possible, you should know how to keep it fresh.
What strawberries to select for storage
Strawberries are very delicate berries. It is easily damaged and spoils instantly, losing its wonderful taste and aroma. Given all this, you should carefully select the berries for storage.
- It is best to purchase strawberries directly from the supplier or collect your own grown strawberries. But even in these cases, you will not be immune from getting damaged and diseased specimens into the basket.
- Harvest strawberries only in dry weather. It is best to do this in the morning after the night dew has dried up.
- Ruthlessly discard rumpled berries and fruits with dark spots, as they will instantly deteriorate anyway, and even infect everyone else.
- Not suitable for storage are too pale or overripe specimens with a stalk that has already fallen off.
- Disassemble the harvested or purchased fruits before storing them again, removing all “suspicious” fruits. Any rot or mold you haven't noticed on a single berry will instantly spread to all the rest, even when stored in the refrigerator.
How to extend the shelf life of fresh berries
There are three main ways to store fresh berries:
- in a refrigerator;
- in sugar;
- in the freezer.
Each of these methods has its own characteristics and nuances that you should know before using it. Let's consider them in more detail.
First way applicable only if you plan to eat berries in the very near future.
- In the refrigerator, strawberries can be stored for about 5 days at temperatures from 0 ° C to +2 ° C, at a higher temperature (up to +6 ° C) - about 3 days.
- Before storing the berries should be sorted out. Washing them is strongly discouraged, as excess moisture will cut the storage time in half. It is better to wash strawberries just before eating.
- Selected berries should be placed on a plate or in a food container with the “tails” down. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. It is good if the fruits do not touch each other.
- The container can be covered from above with a napkin or cling film so that the berries lose less moisture. But then the stalks should be removed from them.
- It is convenient to store strawberries in a colander. Thus, you will save space in the refrigerator and at the same time allow all the berries to breathe. With this method of storage, try to stack the berries loosely.
Second way suitable for storing berries both in the refrigerator and in the freezer.
- The berries need to be crushed with a blender or a wooden crush, add granulated sugar to the resulting puree and mix everything until it is completely dissolved.
- The amount of sugar will depend on future storage conditions. If you plan to freeze the resulting mass, then for 1 kg of berries it will be enough to add 1 kg of sand. For storage in the refrigerator, the ratio of berries and sugar should be 1:2.
- If you plan to freeze strawberries, then you can not grind them to a puree state. It will be enough to cut the berries into small pieces and mix with sugar until it completely dissolves.
- The resulting mixture must be placed in food containers (for freezing) or in glass jars (for storage in the refrigerator).
- You can store strawberries with sugar in the freezer for up to 1 year, and in the refrigerator for 6 months.
- In the freezer, properly frozen strawberries can retain their freshness, useful material and vitamins up to one year.
- Before freezing, the berries should be sorted out, cleaned of dust and debris. If desired, they can be washed, then dried thoroughly with a paper towel, but this is undesirable. The stalks must be removed before freezing.
- Before you freeze strawberries, decide what you plan to use them for later. From this will depend on the form in which it is better to freeze the fruit. If you want to use berries for cooking, it is more convenient to immediately cut them into pieces. desired shape. For example, slices or cubes are suitable for decoration. For chocolate fondue, the berries are best left whole. For smoothies and smoothies, you can immediately freeze the berry puree.
- Whole berries or pieces should be laid out in one layer on a flat plate or baking sheet and placed in the freezer. If your refrigerator has a quick freeze function, use it. Strawberries frozen in this way will not be a single monolith, and you can always take the amount of product that you need at the moment.
- Divide the frozen strawberries into portions, put them in food containers or special bags, close tightly and put them in the freezer.
- You can store strawberries frozen in sugar syrup. To do this, you need to boil the syrup, taking water and sugar in a ratio of 4: 1. At your request, the concentration of sugar can be higher. It is necessary to pour the berries placed in the container with chilled syrup, and, closing the lid, put them in the freezer. Please note that berries preserved in this form will be much sweeter than natural ones.
- If you want to keep the shape of the berries but don't want too much sweetness, you can freeze them in a syrup made from pectin. To do this, pectin powder should be brewed with boiling water in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. After cooling, this syrup is poured over the berries placed in containers, closed and put into the freezer. Keep in mind that pectin is a worse preservative than sugar.