It’s no secret: Strawberry season is a big favorite in our family.
Despite my best efforts, I don’t often get the kids out to a U-Pick farm for us to pick our own, but the minute I see perfectly ripe strawberries pop up at the store or farmer’s market, I am buying cartons and cartons of them all season long.
Keeping strawberries fresh
I’ve tried a bunch of ways to keep strawberries fresh so they can last as long as possible in the fridge.
My kids like to eat them by the handful and I use them in all kinds of recipes. But even though we go through them quickly, I like knowing how to keep them fresh for longer than just a couple of days.
My two preferred storage methods are:
If you are short on time, sort through the berries as soon as you get them home. Remove any strawberries that are getting soft or starting to go bad and either toss or use those right away. Place a dry paper towel in the bottom of the carton berries came in and return the fruit to the container. I’ve gotten them to last pretty close to a week with this method.
If you have more time, add the berries to a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Let them soak for at least 5 minutes, but you can soak them for up to 15 minutes. Drain the strawberries and let them dry completely. Yes, it takes more time. Yes, getting them completely dry is super important. Store the dry strawberries in a loosely covered (not sealed) container lined with a paper towel. I’ve had strawberries last close to 2 weeks with this method!
Of course, you can use strawberries that have gone a bit soft in homemade strawberry jam. And if you still don’t think you can use them before they go bad, you can always store them in the freezer!
Our favorite fresh strawberry recipes
If you’re looking for ways to use the fresh strawberries in your fridge, you’re in luck. I’ve pulled together some of our most popular strawberry recipes, ranging from breakfast to dessert. I’ve even included a savory salad recipe that you’ll want to make all spring and summer long!
Strawberries & Cream Scones
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Bits of fresh strawberries and a simple vanilla glaze make these tender scones perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Fruit pizza is perfect for topping with your favorite fresh berries, including summer-ripe strawberries! The sugar cookie crust and fluffy cream cheese spread make the best base for sliced fresh strawberries.
If you haven't put perfectly ripe strawberries on a salad yet, you're missing out! I love pairing them with a mix of spinach and arugula, toasted almonds, and homemade poppy seed dressing.
This recipe takes a summer favorite and turns it into cupcake form! I fill spongey yellow cupcakes with finely chopped strawberries and top them with a pillowy whipped cream frosting. A few extra berries on top make for the perfect finish.
This cake tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry! I fill my favorite chocolate cake with fresh berries and finish the whole thing with the best strawberry frosting made with fresh strawberry puree.
Bananas and strawberries are a match made in heaven in these oat-filled muffins. They're delicious for breakfast or alongside a cup of coffee for an afternoon snack.
Strawberry cream cheese tart is a bit of a twist on the classic strawberry cheesecake. It's got an easy press-in crust and no-bake filling, so it's simple to make!
I spent weeks testing this recipe to get it just right. It's a jello-free pie that sets and slices beautifully, all while showcasing the fresh flavor of summer berries.
I use this easy strawberry pie filling in so many ways. Fill mini pie crusts, use it to top cheesecake, pair it with vanilla ice cream, serve it on waffles or pancakes…there's no wrong way to enjoy this one.
