Fresh Florida Strawberries

Where and how you store your fresh Florida strawberries depends on when you plan to use them.

1. Right away? Store on the countertop.

If you plan to use strawberries the day you bring them home, there's no need to put them in the fridge. You can leave them at room temperature on the kitchen counter.

2. Tomorrow or the next day? Store in the refrigerator.

If you don't plan to eat your strawberries the day you bring them home, the best place for them is in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. It helps maintain humidity which keeps the berries from losing moisture and becoming dry.

Remove the berries from their original container, and store them whole and unwashed in a partially-closed container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, preferably in a single layer so they don't get crushed. Strawberries should last five to seven days when refrigerated properly.

3. This summer? Store in the freezer.

If you don't have plans to use strawberries within a few days of bringing them home, your best bet is to freeze them. Remove the stems, halve or slice them if you like, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then put them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for storage. Strawberries are great for canning as well!