The Benefits of Strawberries and Tips to Keeping Them Fresh

There is nothing like going to the farmer’s market and picking up fresh local strawberries this time of the year.  Strawberries  are packed with vitamins and minerals, and have so many amazing health benefits; but the problem is that they can spoil quickly.  We’re going to share some tips on keeping them fresh!

Strawberries are filled with antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, fiber, and magnesium, according to Organic Facts.

They are even said to improve eyesight, brain function, high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, and several cardiovascular diseases. Strawberries are even linked to boosting the immune system and preventing certain cancers, as well as premature aging.

It’s a shame to spend all that money on our strawberries only to find that they get slimy or covered in mold when we reach for them in our refrigerators after having only bought them a few days prior.

It’s a total bummer and a giant waste.

Thankfully Hip2Save has shared a brilliant way to make sure that your strawberries stay fresh and last longer in your refrigerator. This hack will extend the life of your strawberries for days, or maybe even a week or two after you take them home and put them in your fridge.

You’ll need:

• White vinegar
• Water
• A Colander or salad spinner

Directions:

Step 1) Pour 1 part white vinegar (I like to use apple cider vinegar) and 5 parts water into a large bowl. About 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 1/2 cups of water should do the trick.

Step 2) Soak your berries in the mixtures for a few minutes. The vinegar will get rid of mold spores and bacteria. That’s the stuff that makes your strawberries spoil quicker.

You’ll probably be grossed out by what the water looks like after your rinse your berries in this solution.

Step 3) Dry your strawberries thoroughly. You can place some paper towels into a salad spinner or let them air dry in a colander.

Making sure you remove all of the moisture will prevent them from getting moldy.

Step 4) Place your strawberries into the refrigerator on top of a paper towel.

Don’t worry your strawberries will not taste like vinegar after using this method.

Here are a few other tips that will help your strawberries last longer:

• The Kitchn says you should keep the stems of your strawberries on until you’re about to eat them. this will prolong their shelf life.

• Also, if you notice any spoiled berries in your bunch that has mold on them, be sure to immediately remove them. This will prevent the mold from spreading and ruining the rest of them.

Enjoy your delicious tasting, longer lasting strawberries!

Based on original post source via Shareably.