Berries can spoil quickly in summer, but a simple 35p item can help them last longer. The trick involves soaking them in distilled vinegar, which kills mould and bacteria.
Vinegar bath method
Blogger Danielle Walker claims the hack has meant her berries last 10 days. She said: "I have been using this tip for years in order to buy in bulk and save money, and have berries on hand for my boys to snack on at all times since they are their favourite."
The British glassware and kitchen equipment brand Kilner also recommended using vinegar. It said: "We've found the best way to keep your berries from being thrown in the bin is to give them a vinegar bath. The diluted vinegar will eliminate any bacteria on your berries."
How to do it
The vinegar solution should be a 1:3 ratio of vinegar to water in either a bowl or your clean sink. Empty your berries out of their packaging into the solution and let them sit for 15 minutes.
Take them out, give them a rinse with water and dry them as much as possible. A salad spinner lined with paper towels is a great method for drying berries.
Storage tips
Fill a large bowl with 700ml of water and add two tbsp of distilled vinegar. Place the berries into the solution and let them soak for up to 15 minutes. Stir the berries around every few minutes. Once done, drain the berries in a colander and rinse well.
Place the berries in a salad spinner lined with paper towels and spin until dry. If you don't have one, place a clean dish towel on the counter, add the berries on top, and blot them gently.
Take a sealable container and line it with a paper towel. Add the berries so they form a layer. If you have more berries, place another paper towel down before adding the berries. Keep the lid slightly open to let excess moisture out, then place it in the fridge.
