Why You Should Put Berries In Vinegar As Soon As Your Get Home
Fresh berries are a sweet, satisfying snack to have on hand, but they often spoil before you get the chance to eat them all. Berries are delicate, but when cared for and stored properly, they can last long enough for you to properly enjoy them.
One simple trick will keep your berries fresh and free from mold, and it involves something you already have in your pantry—vinegar!
Why does it work?
The key to longer-lasting berries is simple: wash them in a mixture of vinegar and water. Berries have thin skin and hold a lot of moisture, making them prone to mold growth.
However, common household vinegar is an effective method for killing bacteria that can make berries spoil quickly.
Step 1: Remove overripe or moldy berries
Once you get home from the grocery store, follow this simple routine to keep your berries clean and fresh.
First, pick through the berries and remove any that are overripe or already beginning to grow mold. These can accelerate the spoilage process for other berries in the container.
Step 2: Soak the berries
Fill a large bowl with three cups of water and one cup of white vinegar. Place your berries in the bowl and make sure they are submerged.
Let them soak in the solution for five to ten minutes so that the vinegar can kill any harmful bacteria lingering on the berries.
Step 3: Let them dry
This important step is easy to forget when in a rush, but it's essential to let the berries dry completely before you transfer them to the fridge.
Lay the berries on a tray lined with paper towels in a single layer so they can properly dry.
Proper storage is key
Washing and drying berries is key to giving them a longer shelf life, but proper storage matters just as much.
For best results, store berries in the fridge inside a shallow container lined with paper towel. Keep the lid slightly open as well, to allow for the release of excess moisture.
The bottom line
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your fresh berries last longer while maintaining their satisfying flavor.
Wash, dry, and store berries with care so that you will always have them on hand when you need a sweet, healthy treat.