Guide
Berries are delicious but delicate, often spoiling before you get a chance to enjoy them. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal the best industry secrets to wash and store your strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Learn why moisture is the enemy, how a simple vinegar soak can extend shelf life by days, and the specific storage techniques that keep your produce fresh, firm, and safe to eat for much longer.
Fresh produce is essential for a healthy diet, but it can sometimes carry harmful bacteria or pesticide residues. Berries, in particular, require gentle care because of their soft skins.
One of the most effective ways to clean berries is a simple vinegar bath.
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a bowl.
Submerge the berries for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse gently with cool water to remove the vinegar taste.
Dry them thoroughly on a paper towel before storing.
Storage Tip: Never wash your berries until you are ready to eat them (unless you dry them completely), as moisture is the enemy of freshness!
Recall alert
1 FDA recalls this week: Steve’s Real Food Freeze Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food contains low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1); this nutritional deficiency can lead to decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and serious neurological signs in pets; owners are advised to monitor their animals closely for symptoms like wobbly walking.
Recall alert
3 FDA recalls this week: Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread Single and 2 Packs contains potential Salmonella contamination from milk powder; No Brand Dried Herring Fish were flagged for being inadequately eviscerated and posing a deadly botulism risk; Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffles Complete were flagged for undeclared milk and soy allergens on the product labeling.
Recall alert
1 FDA recalls this week: SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Bites contains undeclared peanut allergen; this specific recall was initiated after a consumer reported finding peanut butter containing products in individual wrappers within a 10-count package, posing a life-threatening risk to those with allergies.