Strawberries

How to Select Strawberries

• Choose strawberries that are bright red across as much of the skin as possible. Strawberries will not continue to ripen after being picked, so unripe yellow or white strawberries are not worth purchasing.
• Look for leaves that are fresh and green. Strawberry leaves begin wilting as soon as they’re picked, so the leaves are a great indicator of how fresh the berries are.
• Size doesn’t matter when it comes to strawberries, but avoid any berries that appear shriveled.
• Check every berry in the box if possible, as one bad berry can cause the rest of the strawberries to begin spoiling sooner. Avoid any berries (or boxes of berries) showing signs of mold.

How to Store Strawberries

• Strawberries will keep for a few days, possibly up to a week, in the refrigerator.
• Store your strawberries with leaves still attached in a single layer on a plate lined with a paper towel. Keep them near the front of your fridge.
• Avoid washing strawberries until you are ready to serve them.
• Strawberries can be frozen for up to eight months. Flash freeze strawberries by washing and hulling them (i.e. removing the tops and leaves), then placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for two hours before transferring them to a sealed plastic bag.

How to Serve Strawberries