Keeping Berries Fresh

To enjoy your fresh strawberries even longer, try these tips.

• • Don’t wash or rinse strawberries until you’re ready to use them.
  • Hull berries after washing them; the leafy cap prevents berries from absorbing excess water.
  • Strawberries don’t ripen after being picked, so be sure to use or freeze them within days of purchase.
  • To prevent spoilage, keep berries chilled. However, for their best flavor, serve them at room temperature.
  • To freeze strawberries, rinse and dry them; then place them whole or sliced on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm. Store frozen berries in freezer bags for easy use.