How to Store Strawberries the Right Way, According to Fruit Experts

There’s nothing like ripe, juicy strawberries on a hot summer day (or any day). But to enjoy strawberry shortcake and other treats where this favorite fruit shines, you need to know how to store strawberries to maximize freshness and taste. It might seem obvious, but there is more to storing strawberries than sticking them in the refrigerator. We spoke to experts to learn the best place to store them and tips to make them last longer.

Start With the Best Berries

Choosing the best strawberries when shopping will lead to a better storage outcome.

When selecting fresh strawberries, Matt Quiring of Nature Fresh Farms says to look for berries with bright red coloring that extends as far up the berry as possible. “This indicates that the berries are ripe,” he says, adding that you should also check for healthy green leaves, which suggest proper nutrient levels in the plant, resulting in more flavorful berries. A sweet and fragrant aroma is also an indicator of freshness, says Desiree Pardo Morales, founder and president of Tropical Fruit Box. 

Where to Store Strawberries

Short answer: In the refrigerator. Beyond that, the options are based on how quickly you plan to consume the strawberries after purchase. For optimal storage, strawberries do best stored in the front of the refrigerator, which tends to be a bit warmer, or in the crisper drawer. If your crisper has settings, choose high humidity, says Pardo Morales.

Beyond temperature, there is another pro to keeping them in the front and at eye level. That puts them in your line of sight, says Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, noting that if you see them you are more likely to use them.

How Long Strawberries Last in the Refrigerator

Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered says that under the best conditions, strawberries can keep for as long as 18 days in the fridge but more often, they last about a week or so. After five to seven days, Quiring recommends rinsing the remaining berries you have in the fridge and placing them in a freezer bag to freeze for use in smoothies, baked goods, or sauces. 

How to Make Strawberries Last Longer

Le says temperature is the most important factor in strawberry storage; storing them as close to 40 degrees Fahrenheit as possible will extend their lifespan.

Our experts shared these other tips for storing strawberries to maximize their shelf life:

Pick Over the Strawberries: Remove any damaged, bruised, and moldy strawberries from the container you purchased them in.

Do Not Wash Them: Most people think they are saving time by rinsing their whole clamshell of strawberries before putting them in the fridge, says Quiring. "But that is actually creating a breeding ground for mold on the fruit, similar to washing your clothes and then leaving it in the washer for days and days." That’s why Quiring and other experts say that for the absolute best eating, you should wash strawberries right before you want to eat them.

Consider the Container: If the original clamshell is clean, use it, but Quiring says that taking a small paper towel or clean, reusable cloth and placing it on top of the berries in the clamshell, then storing the clamshell upside down. The cloth will absorb any excess moisture—and the clamshell design allows for airflow. If the original container has juices or excess moisture on the bottom, Le recommends transferring the remaining strawberries to a clean glass container. No matter which container you use, make sure the strawberries are not packed too tightly in the container you use for storing them, as that can lead to excess moisture and quicker spoilage.

Use the Ripest Berries First: A container of strawberries often contains an array of varying levels of ripeness, which greatly influences their taste and how long they can be stored in the refrigerator, says Roszkowski. If you aren't using all the berries at once, sort through them to prioritize eating the juicier, riper ones before others, as they will spoil more quickly than less ripe ones.

Should Strawberries Be Stored Whole or Cut?

Our experts agree that storing strawberries whole is ideal. If you plan on eating them within one to three days, Quiring says slicing them is okay, but this is best left until right before eating or using them. If you need to slice strawberries ahead of using them, he suggests placing a paper towel or reusable cloth in the bottom of the airtight container you will store the cut strawberries in. This will absorb any excess moisture. Then, store the strawberries in the coolest part of the fridge for optimal freshness. 

How to Freeze Strawberries for Longer Storage

Like other fruits, strawberries should be frozen on parchment-lined baking sheets until firm and transferred to freezer or silicone bags. This initial freezing prevents them from clumping and keeps each berry distinct. They can be frozen whole or sliced.

Using Frozen Strawberries: Since strawberries will retain water when they freeze, they will have a softer chew after thawing, which is why they are typically used for sauces, smoothies, and fillings rather than in fruit salads, says Quiring.

How Long Frozen Strawberries Last

While they will last a long time in the freezer, our experts say texture and flavor start to suffer with prolonged freezing, and they suggest using the strawberries after about four months.

How to Tell if Strawberries Have Gone Bad

Our experts say to look for the following telltale signs that your strawberries are past their best:

• Mushiness (or softness) 
• Leaking juice
• Discoloration (strawberries should be bright red, so if you notice dark patches or spots, they have gone bad)
• Molding of any color
• A fermented or sour smell