Summer is in full swing, meaning fresh strawberries are abundant and inexpensive right now. I know that when I walk into my local grocery store I'm happily greeted by coolers full of ripe berries in those plastic clamshell containers. When in play with the blueberries, melons, raspberries, and other fresh produce, it's a delicious display of vibrant colors.
Yet, like most berries, the shelf life of strawberries can be disappointingly brief. It takes only a couple of days in some cases before you start to see bruised berries, bad spots, and maybe even signs of potential mold spores. And you don't want an bad berries going into your Keto Strawberry Muffins or on your Strawberry Avocado Salad!
One of the easiest ways to maximize freshness short term is to store strawberries in mason jars in your fridge.
Maximize Strawberries Freshness: A Guide to Mason Jar Storage
Most storage guides often focus on cleaning and cutting strawberries, but these methods may not be the most effective for prolonging freshness. The best way to store strawberries is to remove them from the original container and place them in glass mason jars to extend the life. Pickle jars work just fine too.
I have heard this referred to as the "mason jar hack", but I think that's a TikTok thing. This is not a hack. I just call it smart. The airtight environment of these glass containers will keep your berries fresh for several days. Here are tried-and-tested techniques for storing strawberries in mason jars.
Strawberries can remain fresh for up to a week in an airtight container like the jar when stored correctly in the refrigerator. If you don't have any glass jars, you can substitute with an air-tight plastic container. Make sure the container is designed for food storage!
Tips for Mason Jar Storage:
- Don't Wash With Water: Do not wash strawberries before storage as the water they absorb hastens spoilage. Place completely dry, unwashed whole strawberries into a clean mason jar and refrigerate them. Seal the jar tightly. A lack of air circulation slows the ripening process, which helps the berries stay fresh longer. Also, place the jar in the high-humidity crisper drawer of your refrigerator, set to 40°F or below.
- The Paper Towel Trick: Line the bottom of the jar with clean, dry paper towels. You should need just one. This towel absorbs any excess moisture that might emanate from the fresh berries during storage and prevents mold growth. Place the unwashed strawberries in the jar and seal it before refrigerating. Always inspect your berries for mold or other signs of spoilage before consumption. Remove any moldy berries.
- Vinegar Bath: If you want to wash the berries prior to storage, you can do so. Just don't use pure water. A quick vinegar wash will remove any surface contaminants. It helps kill mold spores and bacteria, which extends the shelf life of the berries. For this method, prepare a vinegar solution using one part white vinegar and three parts water. Soak the strawberries in the mixture for a few minutes, then drain and pat them dry on a clean towel. Place the dried strawberries on a clean paper towel inside the mason jar. Avoid using excessive water by all means, and ensure the berries are completely dry before storing. Loosely place the lid on the jar and refrigerate.
- Canning Strawberries: Preserving strawberries by canning them is a popular method that allows you to enjoy the berries year-round in various recipes like pies and buckles. Choose fresh, firm strawberries without blemishes for canning.
You can preserve strawberries with or without sugar. The choice depends on personal preference, although canning with sugar does aid in preserving the color, texture, and natural flavor of the berries.
Long-Term Preservation Strategies
While mason jars offer a fantastic solution for short-term storage, there are different methods you can use to ensure you enjoy strawberries year-round. The best methods are freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-drying them.
Freezing Strawberries
Strawberries can be frozen whole, halved, sliced, or crushed. To freeze strawberries, place them cut-side down in a single layer on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for a few hours, then transfer the strawberries to an airtight mason jar and return them to the freezer. This method allows the frozen berries to stay fresh for about 10 to 12 months.
To thaw frozen strawberries, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator for at least six hours. Alternatively, defrost them by running under cold water for at least 30 minutes or placing them in a dish within a larger bowl filled with cold water. This method takes about 20 minutes.
Dehydrating Strawberries
For an intense strawberry flavor, consider dehydrating them in a dehydrator or a low-temperature Sun Oven. The drying time varies based on the size of the berry pieces, exposure to air, temperature, air circulation, and drying method. Slices typically take 7 to 15 hours, while whole berries take 24 to 36 hours.
Dried strawberries should be chewy and stretchy with zero moisture. After drying, cool the fruit for 30 minutes. Store dehydrated strawberries in an airtight mason jar in a cool, dry, dark area for up to one year. Dehydrated strawberries are a fantastic addition to trail mix, homemade granola, or cereal.
Freeze-Drying Strawberries
Also known as lyophilization, freeze-drying removes water from fruits or vegetables by turning ice directly into vapor under low pressure - a process known as sublimation. To freeze-dry berries, spread them on a tray and place them in a freeze-dryer. Once dried, store them in an airtight Mason jar.
Freeze-dried strawberries retain most of their nutritional value and flavor and can be stored for long periods. They're a versatile pantry staple that can be used as a crunchy snack, added to cereals and smoothies, or incorporated into baking recipes for their intense flavor and long shelf life.
Preparing Strawberries for Mason Jar Storage
Mason jars provide an excellent environment for keeping strawberries fresh, although preparation is key.
Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your berries stay plump and delicious for up to a week:
- Sanitize Jars: Sterilizing your Mason jars provides an extra layer of protection against mold or bacteria. To sanitize, completely submerge the jars and metal lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. Let them air dry thoroughly on a clean dish towel before using. Alternatively, run the jars through a dishwasher cycle. This is a quicker option if your dishwasher has a "Sanitize Setting" that reaches high enough temperatures.
- Gentle Rinse (Optional): While washing isn't mandatory, some people prefer a quick rinse in fresh water to remove surface dirt or debris, especially if you've harvested the fruits from your kitchen garden. Use cool running water and avoid submerging the berries. Let them drain thoroughly in a colander for several minutes.
- Prioritize Dryness: Spread the berries on a kitchen paper or cotton towel to allow maximum airflow and expedite drying. Drying can take up to an hour. Resist the urge to rush the process. Gently pat the berries dry with the towel every 15-20 minutes to promote even drying.
- Inspect for Moisture: Once the strawberries appear completely dry, transfer them to a mason jar, seal it tightly, and refrigerate. After about an hour in the fridge, check the jar for condensation. Even a tiny amount of moisture can accelerate spoilage. If you see any condensation on the berries or the jar itself, remove the berries and repeat the drying process before storing them again.
Some of My Favorite Strawberry Recipes
- Paleo Strawberry Avocado Salad
- Chocolate Strawberry Vegan Granola
- Strawberry Mango Vegan Cheesecake Bars
Pro Tip: It's best to leave the stems and caps on the berries. These natural coverings offer a protective layer that locks in moisture and extends freshness. When dehydrating strawberries using the Sun Oven, maintain a temperature range of 110°F (43°C) and 155°F (68°C). Anything higher will cook the berries, which compromises their texture and flavor.
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