You Should Be Putting Berries In Vinegar As Soon As You Get Home–Here's Why

For every 10 fresh berries you manage to pop into your mouth and enjoy, there are approximately two* that end up covered in fuzzy mold in the blink of an eye. Because as juicy and delectable as fresh berries are, they're also impossibly delicate. Perhaps that's what we love about them.

(*This is an approximation based on years of berry eating, not a real statistic.)

Luckily, we have a simple trick for keeping your precious berries fresh and mold-free for as long as possible this summer. And, the key is already in your kitchen cabinet.

Why Does Vinegar Keep Berries Fresh?

We've all had it happen: You bought a fresh carton of berries just yesterday, only to find half of them mushy and covered in fuzzy mold when it's time to toss together a fruit salad. Berries have thin skins and are full of moisture, making them very susceptible to mold.

Fortunately, common household vinegar is quite effective at killing the mold spores and bacteria that spoil fruit. By washing berries in a mixture of white vinegar and water, you can make your berries last longer in the fridge.

How To Wash, Dry, And Store Berries

While a simple solution of white vinegar and water destroys bacteria and mold spores, how you store berries is also key to keeping them fresh. Follow these instructions for the best way to wash, dry, and store your berries:

1. Go through berries and throw out any that are already overripe or moldy. An overripe berry can accelerate ripening in the fruit it is being stored with.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar. Immerse your berries in the water and gently agitate them. Then let the berries soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Drain the berries in a colander in the sink, rinsing them with a light spray of running water.
4. Place washed berries in a single layer on a tray lined with paper towels and allow them to dry completely.
5. When preparing to store, do not mix fruits. Keep them separate as some berries ripen faster than others.
6. Store berries in paper towel-lined container. Use a shallower container so that the berries are not stacked too deep. If you use a lid, keep it slightly open to allow the release of excess moisture.

Our Favorite Ways To Use Berries

Cocktails

We want you to use those berries in good health, and can't think of a better use for blackberries than a refreshing cocktail. Shake up a Summer Cobbler cocktail with some ice for the whiskey-lovers at your summer party once, and you'll have a line of people wanting to try this cocktail the whole night. Other than throwing a few ingredients in a cocktail shaker, this cocktail recipe takes no effort.

Blackberry and lime peel twist garnishes make it look pretty for guests, but our Test Kitchen professionals said a sprig of mint would complement this cocktail, too. For an extra touch, we think this Summer Cobbler Cocktail might be a perfect excuse to get out those silver mint julep cups.

Pies

A pie without the stress, a galette makes the most of a simple crust and lets the filling take center stage. Store-bought piecrust makes this no-fuss dessert even more approachable. A refrigerated piecrust creates a crunchy envelope that holds its structure under the strawberry filling. Electing to make a strawberry galette will ensure that your dessert course will probably not live to see a leftover stage.

Frozen Pops

These popsicles gain their deep indigo hue from fresh and juicy berries. We use fresh fruit in these popsicles to create an all-natural treat that will leave you feeling great this summer. Pull these fancy popsicles out at the next pool party and you'll be the talk of the town. For the adults, we love to dunk these popsicles in a glass of sparkling wine.