Berries will last 2 weeks longer with 1 simple storage habit

Berries are one of the most delicious way of bringing back a bit of summer, but their short shelf life can make them tricky to keep fresh. A few days in the fridge and they often turn soft, grow mould, or lose their vibrant flavour. However, a simple method can extend their life to up to two weeks - far longer than the usual three to five days.

The trick starts the moment you bring the berries home. Instead of placing them straight into the fridge in their original container, give them a thorough but gentle clean. Fill a large bowl with four parts cold water and one part vinegar - distilled white vinegar works best for this - and soak the berries for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently stir them a few times during the soak to ensure every surface is cleaned. This vinegar bath helps to kill mould spores and bacteria that can cause the fruit to spoil early. Once they've soaked, drain the berries in a colander and rinse them well under cold running water to remove any lingering vinegar flavour.

Drying is the most important step. Excess moisture is what usually causes berries to deteriorate quickly, so it's crucial to get them completely dry before storing. You can use a salad spinner lined with paper towels to gently remove the water, or spread the berries out on a clean dish towel and blot them carefully.

Once the berries are dry, transfer them to a clean, paper towel-lined container. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, adding more paper towels between layers if you have a large batch. Leave the lid slightly open or use a container with small ventilation holes - this allows moisture to escape and prevents condensation, which can lead to mould.

When stored this way in the fridge, firm berries like blueberries and strawberries can last up to 10-14 days. Softer varieties such as raspberries and blackberries, which usually only last three to five days, will also stay fresher for much longer.

Keeping the container towards the front of the fridge is a tip to prevent them from being forgotten and going past their best.

There are a few extra tips that make a difference. Always sort through the berries before washing, removing any that are soft or already mouldy, as one bad berry can quickly spoil the rest. It's also best to wash and store different types separately, since each variety spoils at a different rate.

If you've bought in bulk, freezing is another excellent option. After washing and drying, spread the berries out in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps the berries from clumping together, and they'll last for months - perfect for smoothies, baking or toppings.