Strawberries are a beloved fruit that people all around the globe enjoy. They’re great for snacking, adding a sweet touch to desserts, or brightening up salads.
But since strawberries are fresh food, it’s important to know how long they’ll stay good if they’re not in the fridge. We’re going to look at the best ways to keep strawberries fresh, how long they can sit out, and what to watch for when they begin to go bad.
Best Ways to Keep Strawberries Fresh
For strawberries to stay fresh as long as they can, you need to store them right. The best temperature for them is really cold – between 32 and 36°F (0 and 2°C). So, you should put them in the refrigerator as soon as you get them from the store or pick them.
Be gentle with strawberries because they bruise easily. They should be laid out in one layer in a flat container and loosely covered with some plastic wrap or a lid. This stops them from losing water and keeps them fresh longer.
How Long Strawberries Last Without Refrigeration
At room temperature, strawberries can be good for about 2 days before they begin to spoil. They tend to go bad fast and can get moldy or contaminated with bacteria, especially if it’s hot and damp around them.
If you put them in a cool, dry spot – like your fridge – they can stay good for about 5-7 days. Strawberries that are left out in the open are at risk of going bad quickly, particularly if your room is warm or moist. So, to be safe, it’s usually better to keep them chilled in the fridge.
Signs That Strawberries Have Gone Bad
You’ll want to know when strawberries are no longer good to eat. Here are things to watch out for:
- Seeing mold or other fungus on the berries
- The berries feeling soft or squishy
- Dark spots or areas that have changed color
- A bad or sour smell coming from the strawberries
If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to throw the strawberries out. Eating bad strawberries could make you sick, so it’s not worth the risk.
To wrap up, strawberries might be okay out of the fridge for a little while, but they’ll stay fresh much longer in the cold. Keep them well when you store them, and don’t eat them if they look or smell like they’ve gone bad.
