We’re entering berry season in Michigan – one of the best times of the year. We love doing “you-pick” at local farms like Pleasant Hill Farm in Fennville – offering organic strawberry and blueberry picking (some years, even peaches!). So summery and delicious.
However, if you’re like us, you may wonder how to make those gorgeous berries last longer in the fridge. We all know what it feels like to open the lid and see that dreaded bit of mold and have to dump the container (and our money) in the garbage.
Here’s a hack we use to help with that problem: VINEGAR WASHES! Soaking veggies and fruits – including berries – in a mixture of vinegar and water removes any bacteria and mold spores, which is usually the reason produce goes bad so quickly. And bonus – no vinegar taste afterwards! Storing with some paper towel in the container after they’ve been rinsed and air-dried can make them last up to two weeks. We call that a WIN!
Directions:
Step 1: Combine 1 part white vinegar to 3-5 parts water in a large bowl. White vinegar is the cheapest and most popular option – we’ve also used apple cider vinegar.
Step 2: Soak your berries in the bowl (a colander set inside a large bowl works well) for a few minutes, gently tossing and rubbing the produce to get any loose dirt or debris off. After a few minutes, drain vinegar/water mixture and rinse berries well with plain water.
Step 3: Place the berries into a salad spinner and gently spin – add paper towel in base of strainer bowl if using raspberries, which are more delicate – or lay them out in a single layer on top of a clean towel. Carefully dry them with a paper towel or let them air dry.
Step 4: Once dry, place the berries in the fridge on top of a paper towel – either in the container they came in (wash and dry container first) or in something like a big glass mason jar.
There you have it – a simple way to enjoy these anti-oxidant powerhouses even longer!!
Jess + Team Valeo
Our berry sweet boys at Pleasant Hill Farm, summer 2017. 🙂
Know anyone else who might be grapeful for this hack? Or for whom berry-picking is their jam? lol
Please share this link! https://valeotraining.com/berry-hack