Raspberries are best consumed within a few days of harvest or purchase.

In fact, without proper selection and storage,fresh raspberriesare prone to spoil very quickly.

Here’s the best way to store raspberries to prevent mushy, molding fruits.

raspberries

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Chef Rhonda Stewartis asenior instructor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

When choosing raspberries, opt for plump, firm berries with a vibrant color, she says.

Avoid berries that are mushy or moldy as these indicate over-ripeness or damage.

Raspberries

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Raspberries won’t ripen after being picked, so be careful not to choose underripe ones that are pale.

With proper selection and storage, your fresh raspberries will not disappoint, Stewart says.

Here are some tips to keep them fresh.

Southern Living Frozen Raspberry Lemonade in glasses garnished with fresh mint

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Place them in a paper towel-lined shallow bowl to help absorb any excess moisture, Stewart says.

Avoid storing them in an airtight container.

They can be stored in the original clamshell container they were purchased in since it provides air flow.

Avoid sealing them tightly in plastic bags, which can trap moisture.

Toss any berries that show signs of deterioration and no longer look good.

When picking your own, avoid squeezing the berries.

It should come off easily when ripe.

Moisture speeds up decay, so it’s best to wash them just before eating, Stewart advises.

Towash raspberries, place them in a colander and hold them under cold running water.

Gently lay them on paper towels and pat dry.

Properly stored, raspberries can last up to three days.

Yes, its perfectly safe tofreeze raspberriesso they can be enjoyed beyond their peak season.

They retain their flavor and nutritional value remarkably well when frozen properly.

Enjoy them plain, toss them in a salad, or make them the focus of a divine dessert.

Raspberries start to deteriorate as soon as they’re picked.

Mushy raspberries go bad quickly.

Store raspberries in a paper towel-lined container that will absorb any moisture.

The drier the berries, the better.

Airtight containers can trap moisture.