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3/17/13

KEEP BERRIES LONGER with this Easy Rinse that Retards Mold!

Generally I let the berries sit out to drain well for about an hour then store in a closed container in the refrigerator.
The berry season is upon us once more and prolonging the goodness of your fresh berries is a timely topic.  One worth repeating as it was first discussed here last year when again my husband's Aunt Betty sent me this tip.  I used it on numerous occasions last year and it truly increased the storage life of my berries quite noticeably so!   I did not keep a written record but as I recall it added about an additional week onto the life of my grapes and berries without a trace of mold.   thehiddenpantry.blogspot.com/2012/04/keep-fresh-strawberries-longer-without.html

The formula is one part white vinegar to ten parts fresh water.  Today I have a lot of berries as I am planning mixed berry shortcakes for tonight's dinner.  I have purchased more berries than I will use today so I have used my magic potion to inure they will keep well into the week.

Ingredients for Berry Rinse:
1 C. white vinegar
10 C. fresh water
fresh berries or grapes

Combine the vinegar and water in a large vessel.  Swish the berries in the water making sure they are submerged and thoroughly wet.  Gently remove the berries to a large sieve or colander and let drain well.  I usually let them sit about an hour before sealing them in a closed container and placing them back in the refrigerator.  I sometimes turn on the kitchen ceiling fan to speed the process.

This is one of the best tips I have come across!

6 comments:

  1. Thanks, Diane
    I plan to try this. I thought I already had lots of uses for vinegar - always glad to have one more!

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  2. Terrific. It really does kill the mold spores and prolong the life of the fruit.

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  3. I have never heard of this but will try. It has become an issue. I would have to hurry and use the fruit and/or I have had to throw fruit out for this very reason.

    Thanks!

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  4. Give it a try and let me know what you think! I have done this for a year with good results! dkc

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  5. I have used this on fruits as well as vegetables and it has worked great!

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  6. I do this with all my fruits and vegetables the minute I get home from the grocery store. Also, if you store your vegetables in a plastic bag or tupperware (not sealed all the way) with a paper towel in it, it absorbs any excess moisture, yet keeps everything crisp - like when they spray the produce at the store. Works like a charm!

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