We’re all guilty of leaving the last handful of strawberries in the refrigerator a day or two past their prime. Instead of a juicy snack, these too-old berries are mushy and unappetizing. But what if there was a way to salvage them? This simple hack will help you SOS: save our strawberries.
Have you tried this strawberry storage trick?
Why do strawberries get mushy?
The fruit become soft when it loses water. Once a strawberry is plucked from its stem, it continues to slowly emit volatile compounds and moisture, but it can no longer replace them through its stem. Then, as moisture and nutrient levels continue to decrease, cell walls soften and may even collapse.
If a strawberry has mold or is dark and concave, it’s past saving. Instead of having loose or squishy cell walls, the cells have started to totally break down and the strawberry may be starting to ferment. Not good!
But when strawberries just look under the weather, getting water back into them will plump up the fruit again. You’ll have a fresh snack packed with healthy benefits for later. (You can use overripe or mushy strawberries in baking projects like this).
How to Fix Mushy Strawberries
You have everything you need in your kitchen for this hack. To bring some life back to your strawberries, collect a bowl big enough to hold all the berries with at least an inch of space between the top of the berries and the rim. Place the strawberries in the bowl, being careful not to squish them or mash them at all.
Then, cover the strawberries with ice. Pour cool water over the top so the ice is floating and set a timer for 20 minutes.
Pour off the ice water. (Instead of wasting it, I let the water warm to room temperature and used it to water my houseplants). You’ll see strawberries that appear lighter in color and restored to a plump shape.
This simple trick isn’t just a strawberry savior. Even wilted lettuce can be revived after a quick dip in ice water! Most delicate fruit and vegetables will need a shorter soak time, so be sure to watch them closely.
Find a Way to Use Your Revived Berries
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Grandma's Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake
When my grandma served this shortcake, she usually topped it with homemade vanilla ice cream. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Double-Crust Strawberry Pie
The first time I made this pie it was delectable, so I wanted to share it. Fresh strawberries sprinkled with cinnamon make a delicious pie served warm or slightly chilled. —Patricia Kutchins, Lake Zurich, Illinois
Pork and Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Serving this entree salad gives me hope that warmer days aren't too far off. If strawberries aren't in season yet, use thawed frozen in place of fresh. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
This cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the pan. If it breaks while you're transferring the cake to the serving plate, just push it back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Creamy Strawberry French Toast Bake
I love this recipe because on Sunday mornings I like to take it easy, but I still want my family to have a nice breakfast. This allows me to sleep in and feel like I'm a great mom at the same time. Win!—Alynn Hansen, Mona, Utah
Best Ever Fresh Strawberry Pie
Next time you get a pint or two of perfectly ripe strawberries, make my favorite pie. It combines fresh berries and a lemony cream cheese layer. If you’re in a hurry, use a pre-made pie shell. —Janet Leach, Granger, Washington
Fruit with Poppy Seed Dressing
Cool, colorful and easy to prepare, this refreshing, good-for-you fruit salad is a springtime favorite. —Peggy Mills, Texarkana, Arkansas
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My husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Cinnamon-Strawberry Sundaes
Lime adds a delicious tang to this easy dessert. I'll never eat plain vanilla ice cream again! —Cory Roberts, Riverton, Utah
Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Tacos
When our son was growing up, this was one of his favorite breakfasts. I've used low-fat ingredients in the past with good results, too.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Minty Pineapple Fruit Salad
Fresh mint adds bright flavor to this easy, quick and low-fat pineapple salad. Give it a berry twist by using blueberries and raspberries in place of the grapes, but don't forget the secret dressing ingredient—lemonade! —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Strawberry-Basil Refresher
Fresh strawberries and basil are everywhere, so get them together for a cooler that’s pure sunshine. I garnish with basil leaves and sip outdoors. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Strawberry Apple Parfait
I know I can always feel good about eating this healthy parfait for dessert! I enjoy the extra kick of cinnamon stirred in with the vanilla yogurt before layering.—Jennifer Warner, Huntertown, Indiana
Winnie's Mini Rhubarb & Strawberry Pies
Every spring, we had strawberries and rhubarb on our farm outside Seattle. These fruity hand pies remind me of those times and of Grandma Winnie’s baking. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Strawberry Shortcake Puffs
When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Watermelon-Strawberry Cooler
My family gulps this frosty cooler because we love, love, love watermelon. The strawberries give it an extra pop. This is a perfect drink for Texas heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Fruity Waffle Parfaits
This recipe satisfied all of my cravings for breakfast when I was pregnant. I knew I was getting plenty of nutrition in each serving and it tasted great.—Penelope Wylie, San Francisco, California
PB&J French Toast
My grandpa made an awesome breakfast for us grandkids: French toast that started on the griddle as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.—Lindsey Folsom, Dorsey, Illinois
Color It Ruby Salad
Just looking at this bright red salad cheers me up—and then I get to taste it! For garnish, sprinkle on fresh chives and mild white cheese. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Easy Strawberry Butter
After picking strawberries for the first time, I developed this fruity, spreadable butter. Try making other fruit spreads using raspberries or blackberries, or a seedless jam like apricot, my favorite. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota
Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole Trifle
I was able to whip up this quick, yet impressive dessert, in only a few minutes after my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
When I got my ice cream maker, a friend shared her dreamy freezy cheesecake recipe. For guests, I scoop this into tart shells. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Green Salad with Berries
For snappy salad that draws a crowd, I do a wonderful combo of spinach, berries and oniony things. Raise your fork for this one. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Sparkling Red Wine Sangria
Sangria is a Spanish drink of wine mixed with fruit juice, Sherry or brandy, cut fruit and spices. It's best to mix this up and let it sit for an hour or more before serving so all the flavors of the fruit and wine blend together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Star-Spangled Lemon Icebox Pie
With a little chill time, my no-bake lemon pie turns into a potluck superstar. My kids like to arrange the berries in a star pattern. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Strawberry Garden Salad
When I take this cheery mix of berries, pineapple, red onion and feta to book club, it’s a blockbuster. I add a sprinkle of vanilla sugar almonds on top. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan
Strawberries & Cream Torte
This festive strawberry summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Strawberry Mimosas
Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make this refreshing drink friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Tri-Berry Jam
My mother-in-law and I dreamed up this jam after we'd been picking blueberries one day. She wondered if blueberries, raspberries and strawberries would taste good together. So she made a test batch—and we quickly learned that they definitely did! Then I came up with my own version of the jam. I preserve everything from our garden! —Karen Maerkle, Baltic, Connecticut
Strawberry Shortcake
I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
Strawberry Cake
Garnish fresh strawberries on top of this pretty and pink strawberry cake recipe. Using cake mix and a few other ingredients, this cake is easy to whip up in a flash! —Pam Anderson, Billings, Montana
Strawberry Angel Trifle
I always get compliments when I bring this attractive and tasty trifle out of the refrigerator. Not only does it serve a big group nicely, I can make it ahead of time, too. —Lucille Belsham, Fort Fraser, British Columbia
Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart
It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Strawberry Sauce
Pork tenderloin paired with strawberries is a heavenly match, made even more special with a tangy feta garnish. Serve with roasted spring vegetables. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri
Strawberry Poke Cake
That classic spring treat—strawberry shortcake—takes on a wonderful new twist with this recipe. Strawberry gelatin and strawberries liven up each pretty slice of this lovely layered strawberry poke cake that's made from a convenient boxed mix. —Mary Jo Griggs, West Bend, Wisconsin
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Sensational Slush
Colorful and refreshing, this sweet-tart slush has become a family favorite. I freeze the mix in 2- and 4-cup containers so it can be served in small portions for individuals or the whole family. I also freeze crushed strawberries to make preparation simpler. —Connie Friesen, Altona, Manitoba
Citrus Berry Shortcake
Here's a quick and easy classic with a soft shortcake layer. Sometimes, I'll sprinkle blueberries over the top for an especially colorful finish. —Meryl Herr, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Four-Berry Spread
For a big berry taste, you can't beat this tasty spread. With a flavorful foursome of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, this lovely jam brightens any breakfast. —Marie St. Thomas, Sterling, Massachusetts
Strawberries 'n' Cream Scones
If you are like me, you won't be able to eat just one of these warm scones rich with cream and packed with berry goodness.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
Cheesecake lovers will savor every bite of this light and pretty pie, even if they don't have to watch their diets. Our whole family enjoys it. —Kim Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
Citrus Steak Salad
Your family will think you spent hours on this beautiful main dish salad with its from-scratch dressing, but it's an absolute cinch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fresh Strawberries & Amaretto Cream Pie
Strawberry pie is even more luscious when you cover it with a generous layer of amaretto cream. Keep the recipe in mind whenever you have a bounty of fresh berries. —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Strawberrry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops
We planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. You may also substitute your favorite herb for the rosemary—or simply omit it. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
Chicken with Berry Wine Sauce
We like to use Little Red Dress brand merlot in this chicken recipe to bring out the flavor of the berries. —Elizabeth Wright, Raleigh, North Carolina
Honey-Lime Berry Salad
I picked up this dish a couple of years ago, and really like the mint and fruit combo. Cilantro is one of my summer favorites so sometimes I use it instead. Turns out, this recipe's really two in one! —Kayla Spence, Wilber, Nebraska
Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish
Salmon and basil take a sweet new approach when topped off with a relish of strawberries, honey and pepper. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Creamy Lime Pie with Fresh Berries
I combined the tangy tastes of lime and cilantro with cream cheese for this unusual berry pie that showcases seasonal fruit. The ginger cookies add zip to the crust. —Anneliese Barz, Fort Mill, South Carolina
Strawberry-Chicken Pasta Salad
When I figured out how to re-create this restaurant dish at home, my family was so excited. For a different spin, use raspberries or peaches instead of strawberries. —Jane Ozment, Purcell, Oklahoma
Strawberry-Basil Vinegar
The mild, fruity flavor of this strawberry vinaigrette complements any tossed salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
If you are serious about getting your fruit servings in, this is a fun way to do it. The bright red fruit salsa is addictive. It is best eaten the day it is made. —Nancy Leavitt, Logandale, Nevada
Strawberry-Thyme Jam
I created this recipe using two ingredients that I love: strawberry and thyme. This recipe is ideal slathered on homemade farm biscuits.—Sharon Demers, Dolores, Colorado
Habanero Strawberry Jam
I love spicy and sweet dishes! This tastes excellent layered over a bar of cream cheese and served with crackers, or you can slather it on a toasted English muffin. Yum! —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Slow-Cooker Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce
We recently started growing our own rhubarb, and we live in a part of Oregon where strawberries are plentiful. I created this to drizzle over ice cream and filled a crisp with the rest. —Kim Banick, Salem, OregonThe post This Genius Hack Will Make Your Mushy Strawberries Juicy Again appeared first on Taste of Home.
Mandy Naglich