How can raspberries be kept fresh for a long time?

Warning: extremely delicate!

Let’s get one thing clear: raspberries aren’t a fruit that keeps well. Indeed, the opposite is true. These extremely tender berries break down very quickly, especially if they aren't stored properly. That’s because this low-calorie fruit contains a lot of water (85%). It also contains valuable vitamins, such as vitamin C, B1 and B2, as well as iron.

Pop them in the fridge

Raspberries should ideally be eaten on the day you buy them. Otherwise, you can put them in the fridge - but only those that have no bruises or rotten spots. When doing so, it’s important to use an air-permeable container, preferably the one in which you bought the berries. Alternatively, a wide sieve can also be used. Raspberries don’t like being stacked either. So line the base of the container with some kitchen roll. This is to absorb excess liquid, which will reduce the shelf life of these delicate berries.

In what part of the fridge?

The fruit and vegetable compartment is the right section of the fridge. It has the ideal temperature for berries.

Storage

Raspberries will stay fresh for 2-3 days if stored correctly in the fridge. But they’ll only last a day at most outside.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can. To do so, place the berries next to one another on a plate or shallow bowl, remove mushy fruit and dab off any moisture. The berries must be really dry. You can also place a sheet of kitchen roll underneath. Now freeze them on the plate in the freezer compartment for 2-3 hours, after which you can transfer them to another container or a freezer bag.

Defrosting them

It’s important to take your time when defrosting. If raspberries are defrosted too quickly, they become mushy and difficult to process as whole fruit. What you need to know: they are no longer as fresh as they were before freezing.

Hands off water

If you don’t want your berries to break down quickly, you should never wash or soak them. Never! It’s different if you want to eat them straight away. Then you can give your raspberries a quick wash.

What to do with overripe fruit

Overripe or bruised fruit shouldnot be thrown away. It can still be used in a smoothie, mixed with natural yoghurt, turned into jam - or whatever you fancy really.