Those with strawberries in their refrigerators were advised to take action and “you need to.”

Strawberry lovers rejoice! There’s a simple household trick that can significantly extend the freshness of your strawberries and prevent them from molding quickly. This valuable tip has been shared among users on an online forum, offering a practical solution to one of the most common frustrations faced by berry enthusiasts.

A Reddit user initially raised the issue of how quickly strawberries can spoil, regardless of how or where they are stored. “Been struggling to keep strawberries fresh and often at least a few get moldy quick no matter how or where is stored?” they posted, seeking advice from fellow forum members.

In response, another user suggested an effective method involving a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. “You need to wash fruit as soon as you get it home,” they advised. The process involves filling a large bowl with cool water, adding some distilled white vinegar, and then soaking the strawberries in this solution while you unpack other groceries—usually less than five minutes. After soaking, the strawberries should be gently swished around for about 30 seconds to a minute, then drained and spread out on a dish towel to dry completely, as per report Birmingham Live.

The importance of thoroughly drying the fruit before storage was emphasized, along with cleaning and drying the container in which the fruit would be stored. This method not only cleans the strawberries but also helps in removing any spores or agents that could lead to early spoilage.

Another enthusiast shared their experience with the vinegar solution, noting its effectiveness. They also mentioned an additional tip for those who consume their strawberries quickly: pre-slicing the fruit or at least removing the tops to make them ready to eat. This, they explained, often results in the strawberries being consumed faster, thus reducing the chance for mold to develop.

One commenter brought up the traditional method of storing strawberries unwashed in a single layer in the refrigerator, covered to protect them from other flavors and odors. They advised promptly removing any berry that starts to show signs of mold to prevent it from spreading to others.

For those concerned about the potential vinegar taste on damaged or cut berries, an alternative was suggested: using citric acid. By diluting food-grade citric acid in water, this method can help keep the strawberries fresh without altering their taste or, at worst, adding a slight tartness that many might find pleasant.

Finally, for those who don’t always eat their strawberries fresh, another user recommended freezing them. By cutting the strawberries into halves or quarters, placing them on parchment paper to prevent sticking, and then freezing them, they can be preserved for longer periods. Once frozen, the strawberries can be transferred to a bag and used later for smoothies or other recipes.

This collective wisdom from various contributors provides several options for strawberry lovers to keep their berries fresher for longer, whether they plan to eat them fresh, store them in the fridge, or freeze them for future use.