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Here is how to keep your berries mold-free for up to two and a half weeks in your fridge–all you need is water and 30 seconds! Come check out my No Mold Berry Bath! It will save you a ton of money AND give you access to fresh berries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries & blueberries, when you want!
❤️ Why You’ll Love My No Mold Berry Bath
You will love my No Mold Berry Bath because not only is it quick and easy, but it keeps fresh berries available in your fridge much longer! You’ll never see mold again!
Watch more about my No Mold Berry Bath on my Instagram!
🧽 No Mold Berry Bath: Materials
All you need is water and berries of your choice! This works best on strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
🧼 How to Do a No Mold Berry Bath
What does the hot water do? The hot water kills and prevents mold from growing. A nice little jacuzzi for your berries does just the trick – all in 30 seconds!
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Soak blackberries, raspberries and strawberries at 125 degree water.
Soak blueberries at 140 degree water.
All for 30 seconds!
🗒 Variations
There other ways to prep berries:
- Rinsing under Cold Water: Place the berries in a colander or mesh strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold, running water. Gently toss the berries to ensure all sides are cleaned. This method helps remove surface dirt and debris.
- Soaking in Vinegar Solution: Create a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water in a large bowl. Submerge the berries in the vinegar solution and let them soak for a few minutes. The vinegar helps to kill bacteria and remove pesticides. Rinse the berries under cold water afterward to remove any vinegar residue.
- DIY Lemon Water Soak: Fill a bowl with cold water and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Submerge the berries in the lemon water and let them soak for a few minutes. The acidity of the lemon helps to clean the berries and also adds a fresh flavor.
🗒 Substitutions
- Hydrogen Peroxide Bath: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water, using a ratio of 1:10 (one part hydrogen peroxide to ten parts water). Soak the berries in this solution for a couple of minutes, then rinse well with cold water. Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill mold and bacteria.
- Baking Soda Scrub: Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Gently rub this paste onto the surface of the berries, then rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
Baking soda helps to neutralize any mold and remove pesticide residue.
Make sure to rinse well if you use the above!
🫙 How to Store
Store in the fridge for up to two and a half weeks without mold spoilage! Be sure to wrap in a little paper towel to soak up extra moisture!
🤔 Common Questions
Ideally, the water should be hot but not boiling. Aim for temperatures around 120°F to 140°F (about 50°C to 60°C). Water at this temperature can effectively kill mold spores and bacteria without damaging the berries.
The berries should be submerged in hot water for a brief period, usually around 30 seconds to 1 minute. This is enough time to kill any mold spores or bacteria on the surface without causing the berries to become overly soft or lose flavor.
When done correctly, soaking berries in hot water for a short time should not significantly affect their taste or texture. However, prolonged exposure to hot water or water that is too hot can cause berries to become mushy or lose flavor.
Hot water soaking is generally safe for most types of berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. However, delicate berries like raspberries may become mushy more quickly, so it’s essential to monitor the soaking time carefully.
No Mold Berry Bath
Ingredients
- water heated to 125 degrees or 140 degrees
- berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Water: Fill a bowl or basin with hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling, ideally between 120°F to 140°F (about 50°C to 60°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature if needed.
- Add the Berries: Carefully place your berries into the hot water bath. Ensure that all the berries are submerged, but be gentle to avoid crushing or bruising them.
- Soak the Berries: Allow the berries to soak in the hot water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This short duration is sufficient to kill mold spores and bacteria on the surface of the berries without causing them to become overly soft.
- Agitate Gently (Optional): If desired, you can gently agitate the berries in the hot water bath using a spoon or your hand. This can help ensure that all the berries are thoroughly exposed to the hot water.
- Remove the Berries: After the soaking time is up, carefully lift the berries out of the hot water bath using a slotted spoon or your hands. Be gentle to avoid damaging the berries.
- Rinse with Cold Water: Immediately rinse the berries under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Ensure that all traces of hot water are rinsed off the berries.
- Dry the Berries: Once rinsed, gently pat the berries dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Avoid rubbing or squeezing the berries, as this can cause them to become mushy.
- Enjoy or Store: Your berries are now ready to be enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator. Ensure that they are completely dry before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth.