Although strawberries are a suitable snack on their own, the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries can also complement baked goods and breakfast cereals. Slicing the strawberries for use ahead of time shortens their storage life, but packaging the sliced berries properly helps them retain both flavor and texture to use the following day. Store them plain for fresh use in your refrigerator or place them in a sugar pack so they make their own sauce for drizzling over ice cream or other desserts.
Fresh Storage
Place the whole strawberries in a colander. Rinse them briefly under running water. Pat dry with a towel to remove all excess surface moisture.
Cut the leafy stem cap, or hull, off the strawberry and discard it. Slice the strawberries into the desired size pieces. Dispose of any strawberries with bruises or soft spots, as these won't store well overnight.
Pack the strawberries loosely into a plastic storage bag or container. Squeeze out the air from the container, if possible, before sealing it closed.
Place the strawberries in the refrigerator within two hours of slicing. Store the strawberries in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Sugar Pack
Wash, sort and slice the berries. Place them in a plastic storage container.
Sprinkle the strawberries with 3/4-cup sugar per quart of berries. Stir the berries gently until they are evenly coated in the sugar.
Place the lid on the container and seal it closed. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Tip
You can freeze plain and sugar-packed sliced strawberries for long-term storage. Leave 1-inch headspace in the containers to account for expansion during freezing.
References
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.