Make summer-ripe berries last longer with these prep and storage tips.
Fresh berries are the most delicious during the summer, so haul in the bounty!
They’re one of the most perishable fruits, so it pays to know how to store them.

Remove fresh berries from their container and sort them as soon as it’s possible for you to.
Eat any gently bruised ones right away-they’re super-ripe and the tastiest.
Compost any that show signs of mold.
Skip washing until you’re ready to use them.
Washed too soon and berries absorb the moisture and start to rot.
Lightly rinse and gently but thoroughly pat dry.
(For strawberries, remove the hulls.)
Place on a tray and freeze in a single layer until solid; then transfer to airtight containers.