Strawberries are a vitamin-rich fruit that is becoming increasingly popular and easy to incorporate into your daily diet. The juicy, ripe, and shiny red strawberries are always enticing. Whether eaten fresh, mixed with yogurt, blended into smoothies, or used in baked goods, strawberries always provide a delightful flavor.
To know how to choose sweet and juicy strawberries and how to store them to keep them fresh and plump, the following helpful information will guide you.
When are strawberries in season?
You can find strawberries in the market or grocery stores all year round. However, strawberries have a peak season in late spring and early summer when they have the most flavorful taste. Strawberries are usually harvested in March, but there are also places where they are harvested in May and June. In reality, you can enjoy strawberries all year round.
How to choose ripe strawberries
Strawberries are harvested, packaged, and sold, but not every time you come across fresh and sweet strawberries. Sometimes, all the strawberries in the box look fresh and red on the surface, but when you open them, they are bruised and mushy.
You should look for the ripest and juiciest strawberries with a shiny and plump appearance, and fresh green stems. If they are packed in plastic containers, lift the container and check the bottom for any signs of mold, dents, or blemishes.
There are many different strawberry varieties on the market with different origins. It is advisable to choose organic strawberries to avoid strawberries that have been heavily sprayed with pesticides. Strawberries are often the most pesticide-contaminated produce.
How to store strawberries
Strawberries have a short shelf life, so when you bring them home, you should store them in the refrigerator. Typically, strawberries can last for 3 to 7 days when refrigerated. However, if you plan to consume them right away, it is best to store them at room temperature.
To keep strawberries juicy, fresh, and free from shriveling, you should rinse them before storing. Soak the strawberries in a bowl of water mixed with white vinegar in a ratio of 3:1 for about 5 minutes. Then, scoop the strawberries out to drain and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a container with a dry paper towel. By doing this, strawberries can last up to 2 weeks.
How to freeze strawberries
Freezing strawberries is a preservation method that helps extend their shelf life, especially if you want to use them for smoothies, cakes, and ice cream. When you buy strawberries, remove the green stems, wash them under cold water, and pat them dry. Cut the strawberries in half or leave them whole. Place them on a tray lined with wax paper. Once fully frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or a sealed container for gradual use.
With these simple tips, you can easily choose and store strawberries. Good luck!
Why should we eat strawberries?
In addition to being a delicious dessert, strawberries can also be used to make smoothies, ice cream, and many other dishes because of their delightful taste. Moreover, strawberries are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for our health.
Strawberries are high in antioxidants and plant compounds that are good for cardiovascular health. They also help control blood sugar levels. Strawberries are commonly eaten fresh, but they can also be used to make jam, jelly, and various desserts.
Furthermore, strawberries contain 26% dietary fiber. This fiber is crucial for nurturing beneficial bacteria in the gut and improving digestive health. The great thing about strawberries is that they provide not only vitamin C and manganese but also a good source of vitamin B9 and potassium for the body.
Source: Vietnamese Women