We all adore the vibrant colours, refreshing taste and natural sweetness of fresh berries. A handful of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries make for an ideal snack and have the healthy benefit of helping us reach our five a day target.
But no matter how delicious a freshly purchased punnet of berries may look to begin with, the unfortunate reality is that its contents may spoil before we have a chance to consume them. Freezing fresh berries can prolong their lifespan, but frozen fruit might not be what you’re after.
Fortunately for fruit fans everywhere, there are two very common household items that can significantly extend their shelf lives and prevent mould.
While fruit reaches its peak performance when the flavours are just right, it is the very same natural ripening process that causes fruits to rot.
When enzymes break down sugars and acids, they create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. By being able to create an acidic environment, it can inhibit bacterial and mould growth and slow down the decomposition process.
A hack circulating on TikTok has devised a simple yet effective way to achieve this.
Washing berries in white vinegar before storing them can help remove any mould spores that could potentially spread throughout your fruit basket, reports the Express.
To do this, wash the berries in a mixture of one part vinegar and eight parts cold water with a bit of baking soda, then use a salad spinner and cold water to rinse out the vinegar to eliminate the taste.
The gentle abrasive quality of baking soda aids in breaking down residue and eliminating grime, making the fruit cleaner and safer for consumption. After cleaning, the berries should be dried on a fresh towel before refrigeration.
TikTok content creator Danielle Brown explained in her video: “The vinegar will remove bacteria and prevent mould, making your berries last for weeks.”
“You won’t believe how much dirt and sometimes bugs come off your berries.”
It’s important to note that this method cannot “cure” berries that have already become mouldy and these will need to be discarded before washing and storage.