geronimo wrote:
Strawberries for some reason only last perhaps 4 days max in the
refrigerator. Sometimes its 2 days, if you didn't get very fresh ones
to begin with. Then they start growing a whitish mold. What is it,
and can you do something (other than freezing) to prevent the growth
of this mold?


Strawberries are extremely susceptible to mold which is really evident
in the home garden if you've ever tried to grow them.

In California they (do or used to) tent the entire field before planting
and pump in a gas to kill all the mold spores. This helped to keep the
berries mold-free while they were growing, but as soon s they are picked
the mold process begins. It also makes anyone who gets exposed to it
quite sick, if not worse.

I think part of the problem at least is that when they are moved from
place to place at slightly different temperatures (field, packing house,
refrigerated truck, store cooler, store sales area) the inside of the
carton develops condensation which provides a good place for mold growth.

You might get a few more days from them if you wash, slice, and sugar
them lightly. Or spread them out on paper towels or napkins to absorb
some of the condensation.

Otherwise, buy only what you and your family can eat in 2-3 days and
carefully pick out any that might be showing mold.

gloria p