LifestyleFood & DrinkFoodStrawberries are a popular fruit in the UK, but they can quickly go mouldy and mushy if not stored correctly14:37, 08 Jul 2026Strawberries have finally arrived in season across the UK, offering Brits the chance to savour delicious, juicy fruit. Yet they can quickly turn mushy and mouldy, particularly when stored improperly.‌These delicate fruits are highly sensitive to their surroundings. Their high water content leaves them vulnerable to mould growth and spoilage. Additional factors contributing to rapid moulding include poor airflow and being stored alongside other foods.‌While numerous storage tricks exist to maintain freshness, one expert has revealed that a quick rinse with a single ingredient before refrigerating can be highly beneficial.‌Sophie Nahmad, lead recipe developer at Gousto, said: "There's nothing more frustrating than opening a punnet of strawberries only to find they're already starting to spoil."A quick vinegar wash takes less than a minute and can reduce mould spores that cause strawberries to deteriorate more quickly."It's a simple trick that can help you get more from your strawberries, whether you've picked them yourself or bought them from the supermarket.‌"With so many people enjoying strawberries during Wimbledon season, it's a great way to make sure your fruit stays fresher for longer and doesn't end up going to waste."For the 60-second technique, you'll require a large bowl containing one part vinegar to three parts water.‌Place the strawberries in the mixture and gently swirl them around for 30 to 60 seconds. Drain the fruit thoroughly before giving it a quick rinse under fresh water.Thoroughly pat the strawberries dry using a kitchen roll or a clean tea towel. This stage is essential, as any remaining moisture will cause them to go mouldy.Keep them refrigerated in a container lined with kitchen roll to absorb any excess moisture that may develop.‌White vinegar is available for as little as 80p per bottle at supermarkets and can be used for a whole host of household tasks.It can equally be used to extend the freshness of other berries and fruits, such as blueberries.Another fruit prone to browning rapidly is the banana, which is, in fact, among the most wasted foods in the UK.Article continues belowAccording to advice from a food hygiene expert at High Speed Training, bananas are best kept out of the fruit bowl altogether.The expert said: "Anywhere too warm will speed up the ripening process, so avoid keeping them near ovens or warm appliances."Separating individual bananas from the bunch keeps them at their "prime freshness" for considerably longer.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Food