How To Store Berries So They Last

There is nothing more delicious than fresh berries, and nothing worse than craving those berries and reaching for them, only to realize they have gone bad.

How to store berries to prolong their shelf-life is simple, according to North Carolina chef Fred Tiess.

Best Place To Store Berries

Store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40° Fahrenheit or below after they have been properly washed and drained, suggests Tiess.

How To Store Berries

With any ready to eat food like strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries there are some important storage considerations to remember.

Pick

Picking berries that last the longest starts at the store or market, where berries should appear rich in color, and free of any brown spots or discoloration. 

Clean

Once home, the berries should be prepped for proper storage by removing any bacteria or dirt.

Dry

Place berries on a paper towel-lined sheet pan and allow them to drain any remaining water before being stored.

Refrigerate

Berries should be stored in the refrigerator. According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should “Store perishable fresh fruits and vegetables (like strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms) in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40° F or below.”

Can Berries Be Kept On The Counter?

It depends for how long. Berries are highly perishable, so after washing the berries, Tiess says they can be kept on the counter for several hours if you plan on using them that day. Otherwise, berries should be put into the refrigerator for storage.

How Long Do Berries Last In The Refrigerator?

Berries can last up to five days if stored properly stored, says Tiess.

“Typically, (berries last) three to five days depending upon the harvest source and how they are handled,” he explains.

Can You Freeze Berries?

Yes. If you have berries on the brink of spoiling, freezing them is an easy option for future use. Here's what Tiess suggests:

1. After they have been washed, place berries on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Next, flash freeze them individually — as opposed to placing them directly into a freezer safe bag or storage container. “This process will prevent (the berries) from freezing together,” Tiess says.
3. Remove the flash frozen berries from the sheet pan and place into a freezer-safe bag or storage container, making sure to properly label and date.