The Best Way To Store Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Around Valentine's Day, love is not the only thing in the air — so is the sweet aroma of chocolate-covered strawberries. Just like chocolate has become synonymous with Valentine's Day, so has this delectable duo. Offering a perfect harmony of sweet and tart, plus a visually stunning appearance, they capture the essence of this romantic holiday in every bite. The problem is ... their appeal often fades too quickly in the aftermath of Cupid's busiest day.
Tasty as they are, finishing a large batch of chocolate-dipped strawberries in one day can be a challenge. Storing these delicate delights can lead to strawberry sweat (yuck) where condensation forms, especially under the chocolate coating, rendering them less appealing and potentially moldy if not kept in check.
Thankfully, as TikTok creator @halfbatchbaking shares, a straightforward strategy involving a container, paper towels, and a dash of either salt, baking soda, or baking powder can work wonders. This method promises to keep those strawberries as fresh and delectable as the day they were dipped, extending their shelf life well beyond the holiday's end.
@halfbatchbaking Welcome back to my series all things chocolate where we explore the science behind chocolate along with tips and techniques #foodscience #chocolaterecipe #chocolatecoveredstrawberries #strawberries #chocolate #sciencebehind #valentinesday
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How to make your chocolate-covered strawberries last
Shari's Berries, known for their chocolate-covered creations, is on board with this hack. To give it a go, start with a clean food storage container and lay a paper towel inside. Lightly sprinkle it with baking soda, salt, or baking powder, ensuring no clumps remain. These layers act as a desiccant — similar to those moisture-absorbing packets found in new shoes or vitamin bottles that keep the environment inside the container dry.
After creating the moisture-absorbing layer, arrange the strawberries on top and then loosely cover the container. This setup allows for air circulation, which prevents excess condensation. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your chocolate-covered strawberries can stay fresh for up to three days. If you have room in your crisper drawer, use it; its lower humidity is ideal for delicate treats like these.
Remember, the freezer is off-limits for these berries, as they turn mushy upon thawing. If you're dealing with a larger batch of strawberries that require layering for storage, separate them with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. But if you're planning to enjoy all of your strawberries on the same day, you can leave them at room temperature, lightly covered, to maintain their texture and flavor.