You can simply rinse raspberries under cold running water before you eat them, or use this more-involved method.

Image Credit: janecocoa/iStock/GettyImages Raspberries are extremely fragile and susceptible to spoilage, but you can extend their shelf life naturally with the right washing and storage techniques.

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 Because raspberries break so easily, they are particularly vulnerable to natural surface molds and microbes that attack damaged fruit. You can minimize that microbe growth by gently washing your raspberries in diluted vinegar, according to Colorado State University, and then storing them without excess moisture.

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  Using this method, you can enjoy clean, fresh raspberries for several days after bringing them home.

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Things You'll Need

Raspberries Bowl Water White vinegar Colander Salad spinner Paper towels

  1. Make Your Water-Vinegar Mixture Make a diluted vinegar bath by combining three parts water and one part white vinegar in a large bowl.

    Advertisement Then, wash your hands with warm, soapy water.

  2. Gently Wash the Raspberries With clean hands, gently place the raspberries in the vinegar bath. Swish the berries around with your fingertips to loosen any dirt.

    Advertisement 3. Rinse in the Colander Carefully lift the raspberries out of the vinegar bath and place them in a colander. Rinse the berries with cold water to remove the vinegar flavor.

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    Advertisement 4. Blot Them Dry Line a salad spinner with a few layers of paper towels. The paper towels cushion the raspberries to help prevent bruising and breakage.

    Advertisement 5. Use the Salad Spinner Place the raspberries in the salad spinner and spin for five to 10 seconds.

    Advertisement 6. Refrigerate on Paper Towels Refrigerate the raspberries in a single layer in a clean container lined with fresh paper towels. Keep the container unsealed to allow moisture and gases to escape as the berries release them. Tip Use the same method to wash and store other delicate berries, such as blackberries and blueberries.

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    references

       Cook's Illustrated: Washing Produce

   Food52: How to Keep Berries Fresh for Longer

    references

       Cook's Illustrated: Washing Produce

   Food52: How to Keep Berries Fresh for Longer

    You can simply rinse raspberries under cold running water before you eat them, or use this more-involved method. Image Credit: janecocoa/iStock/GettyImages

Image Credit: janecocoa/iStock/GettyImages

  • Raspberries
  • Bowl
  • Water
  • White vinegar
  • Colander
  • Salad spinner
  • Paper towels

Use the same method to wash and store other delicate berries, such as blackberries and blueberries.

      Cook's Illustrated: Washing Produce
    
      Food52: How to Keep Berries Fresh for Longer