Love Your Berries – and Make Them Last
Berry season is here and we’re here for every glorious sweet, juicy bite. We love fresh, local sun-ripened berries, but they are high-maintenance little divas. They’re so good, they know they can demand extra attention!
The biggest threats to our little divas are mould, physical damage and time. The more we can manage these threats, the longer our berries will last. To help you keep these beauties fresh and fabulous for as long as possible, here’s what actually works and what doesn’t when it comes to storing fresh berries.
To Wash or Not to Wash?
Don’t wash berries until you’re ready to eat them.
Washing adds moisture, and moisture is mould’s best friend. If you wash the whole container and leave any wet spots, you’re basically inviting spoilage to the party. That’s why we recommend washing just before eating.
The exception?
If your berries are super dirty, or you want to prep some for snacking. Rinse in diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), gently dry them, and store them carefully as shown below.
How to Store Fresh Berries
Here’s how to treat berries with the respect they deserve:
- Check for troublemakers – Remove any berries that are soft, mouldy, or leaking juice.
- Line a container with paper towel – Cotton or paper towels help absorb any extra moisture.
- Store in a breathable container – Use the original container if it has vents, or transfer to one with the lid slightly ajar.
- Avoid stacking too deep – Prevent squishing berries and allow for air flow with a shallow container.
- Keep in the fridge – Store cool but bring to room temperature when ready to use for the sweetest flavour.
Social Media Storage Hacks – What Actually Works?
Have you seen these berry storage tips?
- Mason jar with airtight lid
❌ Not Recommended
Great for aesthetics, but not great for fresh, sun-ripened berries. An airtight mason jar will trap moisture, prevent airflow and cause tender berries at the bottom to get squished. Unless you have very firm, bone-dry berries, this technique is not ideal.
- Vinegar bath for longer storage
✅ Yes, but….
A diluted vinegar rinse (1:3 vinegar to water) can help kill mould spores, but … be sure to fully dry berries afterward and store with a dry paper towel. We still prefer washing just before eating. - Berry baskets in the crisper drawer
✅ Yes!
Using breathable containers or ventilated baskets in the fridge is one of the best low-fuss options. Line with a cotton or paper towel to absorb any moisture for added protection. - Freezing berries in a single layer
✅ Yes, please!
Freezing is a great way to save berries before they spoil. Wash, dry, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
Treat berries like the tender divas they are and plan to use them within 3 to 7 days. (sooner for raspberries, longer for blueberries).
If they’re getting close to their “use me up!” stage, freeze them or turn them into something delicious. Here are some of our favourite ways to use up soft berries.
Berries and Sour Cream Streusel Cake
Coconut Pancakes & Strawberry Compote
Saving berries from the bin? That’s a sweet win. What’s your favourite way to enjoy fresh, local berries?
