I think spring is coming. Birds are chirping. My grass is starting to grow. And when I walk into the grocery store, I’m tempted by boxes of reasonably priced fat, juicy berries. Pretty soon, they’ll be all over the place, and like a sucker, I’ll buy those berries and then approximately 12 hours later, I’ll open my fridge and find them covered in mold and I’ll curse the heavens and wonder why I do this every time. I’ve said multiple times that I’m not sure I’m emotionally equipped to buy fresh berries or avocados. I can’t handle the pressure, y’all.
Except it doesn’t have to be this way.
This little trick (as long as I do it) saves me all sorts of angst. It buys me a few days (at least) and sometimes up to a week.
When you get home with your berries, pop open the container and remove any shriveled or moldy berries, or, at the very least, any you wouldn’t want to eat.
Place the berries in a large mixing bowl.
Now, all you need is some apple cider vinegar. Sara and I have both talked a lot about Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, but you guys, it’s the best.
There are people who drink it for the supposed health benefits (I can’t…I’ve tried…), and then there are people like me who just use it because it’s awesome. It’s brown and murky and the flavor is amazing (but we’re not using it here for the flavor). I used to have to buy it online, but in the last year or so, I’ve been able to find it at any grocery store.
Anyway.
Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar into each bowl.
Then cover with lukewarm water.
Gently agitate the berries. Allow them to stand in the water for 20 minutes, agitating every 5 minutes or so. Then drain and rinse them (this will also help perk up any dreary looking berries.) You can eat them immediately or store them in an airtight container or large ziploc bag.
You’ll be amazed how much longer they last and how great they taste!
How to Make Your Berries last
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.
- Organic apple cider vinegar with "the mother," like Bragg's
- Lukewarm water
Instructions
- Place berries in a bowl (either together or separate, depending on how you want to use them). Add 1-2 tablespoons vinegar per bowl, then fill with lukewarm water. Agitate gently, then allow to stand for 20 minutes, agitating every 5 minutes or so. Drain and rinse, then store in an airtight container or ziploc bag.
Questions & Reviews
Love this tip thank you! What are your blue and yellow berry baskets made of and where from? They are adorable!
I *think* they’re from World Market, but maybe anthropologie? It’s been a few years, haha!
Great idea i’m trying it very soon
Thanks Dee
Super great idea, Kate! I hate wasting berries, too! :'((
I am excited to have this trick to use when I have to save my berries for longer than a day or two. But I just have to mention my laziest trick for when I only need my berries to last a day or two until Saturday morning–official breakfast day at my house. Just keep the containers of berries inside a plastic grocery bag and put them in the fridge that way. In my fridge the berries wilt (dry out?) if I put the containers in by themselves. It has the added advantage of hiding the berries so the kids don’t eat them–out of sight, out of mouth.
Thanks for this. What about bigger fruit like apples? We are going on vacation for two weeks and I have a whole bag of them right now.
This is great. A few years ago I gave my Mom one of the berry baskets . They have a lid and a strainer type gadget. She seems to think it helps. I agree about berries not lasting very long. I also work for a grocery store and sometimes we just get a bad batch.
I am so thrilled to find this! Question: I’m going to be snack baggie-ing the berries after the soak. Should I slice the stems off before soaking or after? Thank you tons for this!!
Totally up to you! You can cut the tops off of you want to make them easier for snacking/future prepping or you can leave them on if you want them on (like for dipping.)
Will it work with raspberries too? Or are those too delicate?
Yep!!! All berries (and grapes, too!)
A few years ago, I discovered the FridgeSmart containers from Tupperware and have never had a problem since. They are designed to keep all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables fresh in your fridge for double or longer the normal time. They have a smart vent system and an easy to read chart right on the front of the container. Try them, you wont be disappointed!!
Wonderful post! Would you suggest doing this with strawberries that will be dipped?
Yes, it would be great!! Just be sure to let them dry completely before dipping.
Thanks so much, Kate.