The Only Way You Should Store Sliced Strawberries, According to Experts

There isn’t anything much sweeter and juicier than a ripe strawberry at the height of the season. I love eating them right out of the package—with a quick rinse under the faucet first—or sliced and piled on a heap of spinach. 

Sometimes, I get carried away and wash and slice too many strawberries to eat. I usually end up putting them in a small bowl in the fridge and, the next time I check, they’re an unappealing, rubbery mess.

“Once strawberries are washed and sliced, they become more vulnerable to spoilage, mold, and loss of texture and flavor,” says Gabriela Swamy, PhD, professor at San Jose State University and member of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Fruit & Vegetable Products Division. 

“Washing introduces moisture and therefore encourages bacterial and mold growth. Slicing damages the berry's protective skin, exposing the inner flesh to air and speeding up enzymatic oxidation—leading to browning, mushiness, and nutrient loss.”

But what if you were overzealous like me, and end up with some leftover sliced strawberries?

How to Store Sliced Strawberries

It’s best to wait and wash and slice berries right before you’re ready to eat them, but you can still keep leftovers somewhat fresh if you do it right.

Swamy suggests refrigerating sliced strawberries immediately in an airtight glass container and using them as soon as possible.

“Avoid stacking too many slices—a shallow container helps prevent crushing and uneven moisture buildup,” she suggests. “Optionally, antioxidants like lemon juice or fruit fresh powder may be added to slow browning due to oxidation.”

Storing Whole Strawberries

For the freshest berries, don’t wash or slice them until you’re ready to eat them, says Frances Dillard, vice president of brand and product marketing for Driscoll’s. “Whole strawberries should be stored unwashed in their original clamshell container, which is designed to promote airflow and keep them fresh,” Dillard says.

Store them in the front of your refrigerator—not in the back or in the crisper drawer where high humidity can cause them to dry out more quickly. When stored that way in the fridge, they can stay fresh for about five days. “Slice strawberries right before eating to preserve their flavor, texture, and freshness.”

Choosing Strawberries

Good flavor and quality starts when you shop for strawberries. Avoid any packages that have signs of mold, leakage, or too much moisture. Vibrant green leaves are also a good sign of quality.

“Look for berries that are bright red all over, with no white or green patches near the stem,” Dillard says. “They should be firm, plump, and have a natural shine—avoid any strawberries that appear dull, bruised, or mushy.”

Put Those Strawberries to Work

• Strawberry Shortcake
• Strawberry Ice Cream
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
• Strawberry Spoon Cake
• Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri