A step-by-step guide on storing strawberries in mason jars in the fridge so they last weeks!

Nothing is worse than spending money on strawberries, only for them to become soft and moldy a few days later, especially paying today’s prices!

Speaking of groceries, check out how I save $1200 a month on my grocery bill!

I have tried many different methods of storing fresh berries in the fridge. I have bought the famous Tupperware fridge savers and those pretty storage containers you see all over Instagram and Tik Tok. The clear winner is to store strawberries in mason jars in the fridge! Yup, you heard that right, simple, traditional mason jars.

Gone are the days of storing strawberries in a crisper drawer in the original container. You can store many types of berries using this method.

Today I am going to go in-depth on how to wash, prep and store strawberries in the fridge so they will last weeks! 

Equipment Needed To Store Strawberries In Mason Jars

• Mason jar metal lid
• Airtight jar
• Kitchen towel or clean paper towel

How to Wash Strawberries Properly

The key to having fresh strawberries longer is to clean them right when you get home from the grocery store or after picking. I like to use vinegar to wash my strawberries, but produce washes such as Aunt Fannies or Rebel Green work great as well.

Start by filling a clean sink halfway with cold tap water. Add 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. Swish around in the vinegar solution to mix. Dump the unwashed strawberries from their original packaging in the water and swish them around again to cover all the berries with the vinegar wash. If you are using a produce spray, spray the berries while they are in the water.

Soak the strawberries in the vinegar bath for at least 5 minutes. Check the berries for any soft spots or mold. Remove the bad berries from the water and either eat them right away or toss them in the compost.

After 5 minutes, swish the berries around one more time to remove any last dirt or debris. With your hands or a mesh strainer, remove the berries from the water and place them on a clean kitchen towel or a layer of paper towels. Ensure the strawberries are spaces in a single layer so they dry evenly. Let them dry for 5 more minutes before cutting. 

Does Washing Strawberries Remove Pesticides?

Studies show that washing strawberries remove up to 95% pesticide residue. If you want to be sure that your strawberries hold no signs of pesticides I suggest buying organic strawberries or grow your own so you can control what is being used during their growing phase.

Can You Use a Cup of Warm Water to Clean Strawberries?

You can use lukewarm water to wash strawberries, but I highly recommend using cold water to wash strawberries. Warm water may encourage the berries to soften quicker, lessening your storage life.

How to Cut Strawberries to Store in Mason Jars?

You can store them as whole strawberries, cut in half, or sliced when stored in glass containers. I like to slice our strawberries so I don’t have to cut them once they are put in the fridge. Overall they stay fresh no matter how you cut them.

TIP: To extend the shelf life of the strawberries even more, place the whole berries without cutting them in a glass mason jar.

Storing Fresh Strawberries In The Fridge With Mason Jars

Once your strawberries are washed, cut, and dried, it is time to put them in a clean glass jar! I like to use a large 64oz mason jar when storing strawberries since we eat a lot of them. Simply drop the strawberries into the jar until they reach the top.

Squished strawberries can bruise and turn quicker. If you need more room, use a larger mason jar or store them in a secondary mason jar. Screw on the lid and place them in the fridge. Voila! Freshly, cut strawberries at your fingertips!

How Long Do Strawberries Last When Stored In Mason Jars?

Typically strawberries can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly in a mason jar (in the fridge). If you find your strawberries aren’t lasting as long as they should, some of these factors may be the reason behind your lessened storage life:

1. Strawberries were old when purchased from the grocery store.
2. Mold spores were present on a stored strawberry.
3. Winter-season strawberries sometimes don’t last as long since they are coming from further around the world.
4. Your strawberries were too wet when stored.
5. The strawberries were kept at room temperature for too long.
6. The fridge is too warm.

Can You Use Mason Jars to Store Blueberries?

Yes! You can use this storage method to store many types of fresh fruit and even vegetables!

1. Blueberries
2. Strawberries
3. Raspberries
4. Blackberries
5. Grapes
6. Cucumbers
7. Carrots
8. Celery

You can store a variety of fruits and vegetables in mason jars. Simply wash, cut, dry, and store!

I highly recommend using this glass jar method, but you can use many different types of airtight containers if you don’t have mason jars on hand. Plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid could also work.

Have you tried this mason jar hack? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Check Out My Other Strawberry Recipes:

• Canning Homemade Strawberry Jam
• Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Smash

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