• Handle berries gently.
  
  
• Protect them from heat and direct sunlight.
  
  
• Leave the caps on the berries to keep fresh longer.
  
  
• Do not wash berries until you are ready to use them.
  
  
• Only wash berries in cold water when you are ready to use them. Do not allow berries to soak in water.
  
  
• Store berries in the refrigerator in a closed container for up to one to two days.
  
  
• Store them in a shallow container only 1-2 deep.
  
  
• On the drive home, keep berries cool and take them inside to a cool place. Do not leave them in a car!
  
  
• Any left over berries can be frozen to used later.
  Frozen berries are great to use in smoothies, shakes, desserts, or to make jam.

Freezing Tips

Whole:

Rinse first, then cap berries.
Air dry on a dish towel.
Place, not touching, on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer.
Once berries are frozen, place them in freezer bags.
Use later like ice cubes in fruit smoothies, or partially thawed in cereal or to snack on.

Sliced: (This is how we freeze most of our strawberries)

Wash and cap the berries. 
Slice the berries and place in a freezer bag. 
We do not freeze our berries with sugar. 
Many recipes will call for sugar so you can add the sugar needed for the recipe.
Frozen sliced berries are great for making jam, homemade ice cream or desserts because they keep their fresh strawberry taste.
You can also freeze in small containers for smaller serving sizes.