All About Strawberries
Your complete guide to strawberries - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Strawberries Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for strawberries in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
At Room Temperature (Short Term)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Soft, bruised spots; dull or dark red color; onset of white, fuzzy mold; sour or fermented smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any signs of mold, discoloration, or excessive softness. Gently touch to check for mushy areas. Smell for any off, sour, or alcoholic odors.
Storage Tips
Keep in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Only store at room temperature if planning to eat within a day or two. Do not wash until just before consumption.
Raw in Fridge (Unwashed)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Berries become soft, mushy, or shriveled; develop dull, darkened patches; show signs of white, green, or black fuzzy mold; emit a sour, fermented, or musty smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire batch for any mold growth (especially in crevices or where berries touch). Gently pick up berries to check for firmness; any that are overly soft or leaking juice are likely past their prime. Smell for any off-odors; fresh strawberries have a sweet, clean aroma.
Storage Tips
DO NOT wash strawberries until just before you're ready to eat them, as moisture promotes mold growth. Store them in their original container or spread them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray or a breathable container (like a colander or berry box) to allow air circulation and absorb excess moisture. Discard any moldy berries immediately, as mold spreads rapidly.
Frozen6-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
While technically safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F (-18°C), quality degrades over time. Signs of degraded quality include freezer burn (dry, leathery, discolored patches), significant loss of flavor, or an overly mushy, watery texture after thawing that's beyond typical for thawed fruit.
How to Check
Visually inspect for extensive freezer burn before thawing. After thawing, check the smell; it should still have a faint strawberry aroma, not an off or 'freezer' smell. The texture will be soft, but should not be slimy or completely disintegrated.
Storage Tips
Wash, hull, and dry strawberries thoroughly before freezing. For best results, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from clumping together). Once frozen, transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.