• How do you store strawberries properly so they stay fresh longer?
• How do you freeze strawberries properly?

Strawberry season is finally here. We can enjoy their authentic, unique taste and aroma, reminiscent of summer and a carefree childhood or holidays with grandma in the countryside. Not only do they taste great, but they also hydrate the body and provide us with large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins C, A, E, folic acid and other B vitamins, as well as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and manganese. At the same time, they are low in calories and even improve intestinal function and speed up metabolism. Unfortunately, despite their deliciousness, strawberries are extremely perishable and quickly form mold at room temperature, especially on hot days. But how do you store them so you can enjoy their delicious taste a little longer?

How do you store strawberries properly so they stay fresh longer?

If you're not eating strawberries immediately after bringing them home, you'll need to refrigerate them first, but you'll need to store them in an airtight container. The important rule is to arrange them in a single layer, not on top of each other. But that's not all:

• The food container should be lined with an ecological paper towel, which absorbs the moisture from the strawberries and prevents them from becoming moldy.
• Strawberries should be washed immediately before consumption, not earlier, because if we wash them immediately after bringing them home and store them for later, we can be sure that the moist strawberries will turn sour or moldy by the evening.
• The stems should be removed only after washing the strawberries. If we do this before washing, the strawberries will absorb more water, which will not only make them sour faster, but also make them taste more watery.
• Another very important rule is that strawberries shouldn't be soaked for too long, for example, in a sink or bowl, because they absorb water very quickly and intensively like a sponge, losing their unique flavor and aroma. It's definitely better to quickly rinse them in a sieve under running water.
• Strawberries should not be cut into smaller pieces and the stems should not be removed,
• In Asian countries, it's common practice to wash strawberries in water with vinegar and then rinse them thoroughly before eating . Strain through a sieve to remove any residual vinegar taste and odor. Although this method effectively protects the fruit from mold growth, it can impair the flavor of the strawberries.

Of course, the fresher the strawberries, the better they taste. It must also be admitted that, for their flavor, it's recommended to store them at room temperature. However, if we can't eat them right away, refrigerating them is simply a must. Remember to remove refrigerated strawberries from the refrigerator about half an hour before eating them, so they can develop their full flavor and aroma.

How do you freeze strawberries properly?

Unlike storing fresh strawberries in the refrigerator, strawberries must be thoroughly washed and the stems removed before freezing. Once the water has drained well, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the container of strawberries in the freezer drawer to pre-freeze the fruit. Once the strawberries are completely frozen after a few hours, you can transfer them to food-freezing bags for long-term storage. This method prevents frozen strawberries from sticking together and keeps them fluffy, allowing them to be stored for up to six months. Frozen strawberries are excellent for compotes, jellies, sorbets, and cocktails. Once thawed, they can also be added to batter.

Now is the best time to freeze strawberries. In June, they are at their sweetest, tastiest, and most fragrant. Freezing fruit during the best season preserves the most valuable nutrients. And thawing them in the middle of winter and adding them to a delicious dessert gives us at least a taste of summer.