Fruit Guides
How to Store Fresh Berries
Berries have one enemy: moisture. Here is how to keep them.
Contents
Berries do not ripen after picking. The sugar you taste is the sugar they were carrying when they left the plant — which is why the day they are picked matters more than any storage trick.
Why berries spoil quickly
Moisture is the single enemy. A damp berry moulds within hours, and one mouldy berry in a punnet can take down its neighbours overnight.
How to inspect them
Check for
- 01No dampness or weeping at the base
- 02Firm, glossy skin without bruising
- 03A fresh, fruity scent — not a fermented one
How to store them
Keep berries unwashed, in a single layer, in the coldest part of the fridge. A sheet of paper towel underneath absorbs the moisture that would otherwise undo them. Wash only what you are about to eat.
What to do with overripe berries
Soft berries still make glorious things. Simmer them into a compote, fold them into yoghurt, or freeze them in a single layer for smoothies. Slightly past is not past.
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