Expert advice: the mistake people make when cleaning strawberries that speeds up spoilage

Many people wash strawberries incorrectly, which accelerates fruit spoilage. Experts explain which common habit damages berry quality and how to handle berries properly.

Strawberry season is in full swing, and many people don't realize that one common everyday habit when cleaning berries can significantly diminish their quality. Experts warn that improper washing speeds up strawberry spoilage considerably.

The most common mistake is washing strawberries and then storing them with their green leaves and stems intact. If the green parts are removed before washing, water seeps into the berry, which encourages mold growth and accelerates softening.

Specialists recommend washing strawberries immediately before eating, not right after bringing them home from the shop. Wet berries spoil much more quickly in the fridge than dry ones. You should also store berries in the fridge in a dry state, ideally in a single layer so they don't touch each other.

Proper handling ensures strawberries stay fresh several days longer. If you want to prepare berries in advance, you can wash them, pat dry with paper towels, and only then put them in the fridge – it's important to make sure the berries are completely dry before storing.