Strawberry season’s over, but don’t buy a box until you check this small sign

The box may look perfect from above, but one small detail can show that the strawberries are already on their way to the trash. Food experts explain why it is worth turning the package over before putting it in your cart, and which other signs should raise a red flag. Home Design System, mako. Published: 11.06.26, 10:18 | Updated: 11.06.26, 11:31. Photo: shutterstock_DimaBerlin, SHUTTERSTOCK

They are red, beautiful and neatly arranged in a clear box, but sometimes the strawberries that look best in the supermarket are hiding a less pleasant surprise. Before you send the box into your cart, there are several signs worth checking, especially one that may make you walk away immediately, particularly now at the end of the season, when it is harder to find good strawberries but we still want to enjoy them.

According to food experts quoted by EatingWell, one of the most important things is to check whether there is even one moldy strawberry in the box. Even if just one fruit looks spoiled, it may indicate that the spoilage process has already begun in the other strawberries, even if there are no clear signs yet. The reason is that strawberries are especially delicate fruits, with high water content and a soft texture, which makes them vulnerable to the spread of mold. Therefore, a box containing a strawberry with a white or greenish spot, or one that looks as if it has begun to break down, is not a good choice.

But mold is not the only sign worth paying attention to. It is also recommended to check the texture and overall appearance of the fruit. Strawberries that are too soft, crushed, or have dark spots may indicate that they are already past their prime.

Another sign worth checking is found דווקא at the bottom of the box. Many people look only at the top layer of strawberries, but sometimes the problematic fruit is hiding underneath. It is worth turning the package over and checking whether liquid has collected at the bottom or whether there are strawberries that look damaged.

The green leaves attached to the strawberry can also tell you a lot. Fresh green leaves usually indicate fruit that was picked recently, while dry, dark or wilted leaves can be a sign that the strawberries are less fresh.

Before eating | Photo: Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya, SHUTTERSTOCK

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After you buy the strawberries, there is another common mistake that can shorten their life, washing them in advance. It is recommended not to wash the strawberries before putting them in the refrigerator, but only right before eating them. Moisture left on the fruit can speed up the spoilage process and make them last for less time.

>> And this is the great reason you should wash strawberries with salt

In addition, it is recommended to keep the strawberries refrigerated and not leave them for long at room temperature. If possible, it is better to buy strawberries in season (sorry) and as close as possible to the time of purchase, since fresher fruit will generally last longer.

So the next time you are standing in front of the strawberry shelf, do not settle for a quick glance from above. Check the whole box, turn it over, and look for the small signs that can save you from an entire box ending up in the trash. Mold, fruit, strawberries. Found a language error?