Don’t wash the berries until you’re ready to eat them. Otherwise the moisture from rinsing will cause them to rot. [2] X Research source
The paper towels will soak up any extra moisture that’s lingering on the berries so they don’t mold. Use the original container if you want. Rinse it out and line it with paper towels before dumping the berries back into it. [4] X Research source
If the berries came in a clamshell container with holes for ventilation, leave the holes at the top of the container unblocked so air can pass through.
Don’t keep the berries in the crisper drawer. The humidity is too high and the air doesn’t circulate as well. Put them on a shelf instead. [7] X Research source When you’re ready to eat the berries, rinse them with cool water first to remove bacteria and dirt.
To help prevent molding and remove bacteria, dunk your berries in a vinegar bath of 1 1 cup (240 ml) of water and 3 cups (710 ml) of water. Then rinse them with water and dry them. [9] X Research source Remove any berries that are moldy. Freeze berries that are very ripe to avoid letting them go bad and having to throw them away.
If you don’t dry the berries completely, they’ll grow ice crystals in the freezer which affects the flavor. Another drying option is to place the berries in a salad spinner. Spin them until they’re completely dry.
If you don’t have wax paper, aluminum foil will work.
Clear out a spot on a freezer shelf so the baking sheet sits completely flat. If it’s tilted, the berries will shift and freeze together.
Using a freezer bag is another option. Press all extra air out of the bag before you seal it tightly.
For example, if you packaged the berries on January 1, 2018, write “Best by January 1, 2019” on the container.
Frozen berries are great for smoothies. Simply remove them from the freezer when you want to make your smoothie and pop them in the blender.
