This Genius Hack Will Make Your Mushy Strawberries Juicy Again
Updated: Jun. 25, 2024
It only takes 20 minutes to save mushy strawberries.
We’re all guilty of leaving the last handful of strawberries in the refrigerator a day or two past their prime. Instead of a juicy snack, these too-old berries are mushy and unappetizing. But what if there was a way to salvage them? This simple hack will help you SOS: save our strawberries.
Have you tried this strawberry storage trick?
Why do strawberries get mushy?
The fruit become soft when it loses water. Once a strawberry is plucked from its stem, it continues to slowly emit volatile compounds and moisture, but it can no longer replace them through its stem. Then, as moisture and nutrient levels continue to decrease, cell walls soften and may even collapse.
If a strawberry has mold or is dark and concave, it’s past saving. Instead of having loose or squishy cell walls, the cells have started to totally break down and the strawberry may be starting to ferment. Not good!
But when strawberries just look under the weather, getting water back into them will plump up the fruit again. You’ll have a fresh snack packed with healthy benefits for later. (You can use overripe or mushy strawberries in baking projects like this).
How to Fix Mushy Strawberries
You have everything you need in your kitchen for this hack. To bring some life back to your strawberries, collect a bowl big enough to hold all the berries with at least an inch of space between the top of the berries and the rim. Place the strawberries in the bowl, being careful not to squish them or mash them at all.
Then, cover the strawberries with ice. Pour cool water over the top so the ice is floating and set a timer for 20 minutes.
Pour off the ice water. (Instead of wasting it, I let the water warm to room temperature and used it to water my houseplants). You’ll see strawberries that appear lighter in color and restored to a plump shape. While you’re at it, learn how to wash blueberries to extend their shelf life.
This simple trick isn’t just a strawberry savior. Even wilted lettuce can be revived after a quick dip in ice water! Most delicate fruit and vegetables will need a shorter soak time, so be sure to watch them closely. Now you know how to save them, try out these frozen strawberry recipes.
Find a Way to Use Your Revived Berries
Strawberry TartA simple tart is one of the best recipes with fresh strawberries I know. What makes it special: There's a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Strawberry Lemon TrifleThis refreshingly fruity dessert is one of our favorites. It looks so beautiful layered in a glass bowl that people will think it took ages to make. The secret is starting with a purchased angel food cake. —Lynn Marie Frucci, Pullman, Washington
P.S. Have you ever seen strawberry sprouts?
Frozen Strawberry DaiquirisBlend this refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri to serve on a hot summer day. It's one of the best recipes with fresh strawberries served in a glass! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Croissant Breakfast CasseroleTurning croissants and marmalade into a classic overnight croissant breakfast casserole makes a wonderful treat for family and guests around the breakfast table. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Strawberry SmoothieMy mother gave me this strawberry smoothie recipe, and it tastes fabulous. I fix it for breakfast or sometimes as a bedtime snack. —Linda Barker, Mohawk, Michigan
Strawberry CheesecakeThe creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas
Homemade Strawberry Ice CreamThis creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
Strawberry Panzanella SaladAlways a crowd-pleaser, this strawberry panzanella salad never disappoints. This version is sweet and offers the opportunity to use seasonal fruits in a creative way. For a fun twist, use margarita glasses when serving and rim the glasses with sugar and a strawberry garnish. —Careema Bell, Trenton, New Jersey
Roasted Strawberry Sheet CakeMy Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is a tribute to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Fresas con CremaThis refreshing fresas con crema recipe is wonderful when berries are in season. Media crema is a rich, unsweetened cream found in the baking aisle or ethnic food section of the grocery store. It's similar to creme fraiche and sour cream, although sour cream is a bit tangier. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate-Dipped StrawberriesWe are all about chocolate! Follow our simple guide to make decadent chocolate-covered strawberries at home.
Berry Smoothie BowlI've always loved smoothies but sometimes I want to linger over breakfast instead of sipping it on the go. That's when I make this Jamba-inspired smoothie bowl. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox CakeThis cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Berried Treasure Angel Food CakeMy husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Strawberry Arugula Salad with FetaThe combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
Creamy Strawberry CrepesCreamy strawberry crepes are stuffed with a citrusy, fruity cream cheese filling and garnished with fresh berries. It's enough to make you say "ooh-la-la!"
Strawberry Cheesecake BitesThese treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill
and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Strawberry Pretzel PieThis cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole TrifleAfter my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice CreamStrawberry cheesecake ice cream is the perfect summer treat. Pureed strawberries, cream cheese, two types of cream, and graham cracker crumbs give this recipe its fresh flavor and rich texture.
Easy Fresh Strawberry PieFor my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Strawberry BreadMy husband and I are strawberry lovers, so each spring we pick about 30 quarts. This strawberry bread recipe makes two delicious loaves. One we eat right away; the other we freeze and pull out when family comes to visit.
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed DressingMy family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Strawberry Rhubarb Dump CakeIt always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado
Fritters with Lemon Mousse and StrawberriesDeep-fried fritters are wonderful on their own, but they become over-the-top amazing with a creamy lemon mousse and sweet strawberries. Raspberries and blueberries yield equally good results. —Shannon Bell, Woodstock, Georgia
Strawberry SconesStrawberries and cream are a natural pairing, and this strawberry scone recipe packs plenty of both. Enjoy them warm and fresh, while the local strawberries are in season!
Fruit and Cheese KabobsWe came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Strawberry-Rhubarb MuffinsStrawberry-rhubarb muffins might just be our favorite baked treat to celebrate the sweet-tart flavors of the late spring and summer harvest.
Kale Slaw Spring SaladMy parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Strawberry Rhubarb CreamA friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Rainbow Fruit SaladWhen my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Strawberry Tarragon Chicken SaladAfter thinking about creating this salad for some time, one spring I used my homegrown strawberries and fresh tarragon to do a little experimenting. It didn't take me very long to come up with a winner! My husband enjoyed my creation as much as I did, and now we can't wait for strawberry season to come around each year. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Coconut Milk Strawberry-Banana PopsThese four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You'll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry-Thyme JamI created this recipe using two ingredients that I love: strawberry and thyme. This recipe is ideal slathered on homemade farm biscuits.—Sharon Demers, Dolores, Colorado
Strawberry and Peach Lime Custard BarsAfter I baked, my dad would always find his way to the kitchen and ask if he could try what I made. I enjoyed asking him to taste test different creations, like these bars. He was always ready with a compliment. Other fruits can be arranged over the custard, depending on what's in season. —Carlin Tou, Chandler, Arizona
Mixed Berry PieOur berry pie is the best way to use up those beautiful summer berries. Colorful, juicy berries are tucked into a homemade all-butter pie crust that dares not get a soggy bottom and stays perfectly flaky all the way through.
Cheesecake-Stuffed StrawberriesThese luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
