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How to properly store berries in summer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Berries are perishable products, and in the summer, the growth and reproduction of bacteria actively progresses. In order not to get poisoned when eating fruits, you need to follow some rules. For example, if you cannot eat the amount of berries that you have, you need to take care of the storage conditions.
Let's say you want to preserve raspberries or strawberries. In this case, place the berries in a single layer on a plate, cover with a paper towel or regular napkin on top and put them in the refrigerator. You don't need to place the fruit in a glass container, and you shouldn't close the container tightly with a lid, as you will activate the reproduction of bacteria, which means that the berry can be thrown away after such conditions. If you want to eat the berries during the day, and the house is cool enough, you can leave them in a dark place, having previously covered them with a napkin.
If you want to preserve raspberries and strawberries for a longer period, resort to freezing. Before this, they do not need to be treated with water, otherwise, due to the released juice, they will turn into one big lump. Spread a paper towel on a tray or pallet, pour the berries on top in one layer. Put them in the freezer for an hour and a half. After they harden, pour them into a plastic bag and put them back in the chamber.
Blueberries, stone berries, blackberries, and currants can be placed in the refrigerator in a deep container, but do not cover them with a lid (it is also enough to cover them with a paper towel). If you want to freeze the berries, rinse them under running cold water first. After processing, dry the fruits thoroughly, place them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer. Note that the less air in the closed bag, the better.
Viburnum can be stored in bunches or individual berries. If you don’t want to freeze the berries, tie them into bunches and hang them in a dark, cool place, such as an attic.
Be sure to store berries in a packaged form, otherwise they will absorb all foreign odors. If the berries have a thin shell, do not wash them before storing. They absorb water like a sponge, and subsequently turn into a mushy mass.