Strawberry lovers could make their fruit last significantly longer with the help of a simple kitchen staple costing just a few pence.
As warmer weather arrives and households stock up on fresh fruit, many people find themselves throwing away strawberries after they quickly become soft or develop mould. However, food storage experts say there is an easy way to extend their shelf life.
The trick involves placing a sheet of kitchen paper or paper towel inside the container with the strawberries before storing them in the fridge.
While it may sound too simple to make a difference, the method works by absorbing excess moisture that naturally builds up inside fruit containers. Moisture is one of the main causes of mould growth and spoilage, particularly during the summer months.
Experts explain that strawberries are especially vulnerable because they contain a high water content and can quickly deteriorate when condensation forms around them.
By lining the container with a paper towel, shoppers can help create a drier environment that keeps the fruit fresher for longer.
Food website Allrecipes tested the paper towel method and found strawberries stored with a paper towel lasted around eight days compared with six days when stored normally. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, helping reduce mould and spoilage.
The hack has gained popularity online, with many people reporting that their strawberries remain firm and mould-free for several extra days compared with storing them normally.
For the best results, experts recommend keeping strawberries unwashed until they are ready to be eaten. Washing fruit before storage can introduce additional moisture, increasing the risk of spoilage.
It is also important to remove any damaged or mouldy strawberries as soon as they are spotted, as mould can spread rapidly through the rest of the container.
Some food storage enthusiasts suggest placing a second paper towel on top of the fruit before sealing the container to absorb even more moisture.
The tip could help households save money at a time when food waste remains a major concern. According to waste reduction campaigners, fresh fruit is among the most commonly discarded food items in UK homes due to spoilage.
With strawberries currently in season and appearing on shopping lists across the country, the simple paper towel method offers a low-cost way to make every punnet go further.
The hack requires no specialist equipment and uses an item already found in most kitchens, making it one of the easiest food storage tricks for households to try this summer.