Berry season means colourful bowls of strawberries blueberries and raspberries ready for smoothies desserts and healthy snacks. But as delicious as they are berries are highly delicate and can spoil within days if not stored correctly. Soft spots excess moisture and mould are common issues that shorten their shelf life.
Florida-based gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab who focuses on digestion liver health pancreas care and nutrition recently shared a practical guide explaining how to store and wash berries properly to help them last significantly longer. His advice centres on one key principle controlling moisture while allowing airflow.
According to Dr Salhab the first step begins with proper container preparation. Use the original clamshell packaging or a produce container and line the base with a dry paper towel. Add completely dry berries on top and place another paper towel above them to absorb any excess moisture. This helps prevent condensation build up which often leads to mould growth.
He also recommends flipping the container upside down once packed. This small adjustment reduces moisture pooling at the bottom and encourages better air circulation. Additionally the container should never be sealed airtight. A slightly open lid or a vented produce box allows airflow which is essential for keeping berries fresh.
When it comes to washing berries Dr Salhab explains that it is best to rinse them right before eating. However if you prefer to wash them in advance he suggests three safe methods that can be used separately rather than combined.
One option is a vinegar soak using eight cups of water and one cup of vinegar allowing the berries to sit for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Another method involves mixing one tablespoon of baking soda into eight cups of water followed by a five minute soak and rinse. A gentler alternative is dissolving one to two teaspoons of salt into water creating a mild saline solution for soaking.
No matter which washing method is used drying is the most critical step. After rinsing berries should be spread out on a towel and left to air dry completely. Any surface moisture must be removed before storing. Even slight dampness inside the container can accelerate spoilage.
Dr Salhab highlights four essential rules to remember sort and discard any mouldy berries immediately use paper towels to manage moisture keep berries in a vented container and whenever possible rinse only before eating. These simple but consistent habits can dramatically extend freshness and reduce food waste.