When done and stored properly, chocolate-covered strawberries can last for 3 days; however, it is important to note that this isn’t in any way a guarantee.
It is recommended you make the chocolate-covered strawberries the same day you intend to sell or consume them. If you can’t, they must be consumed within two to three days especially if you are storing them in the fridge.
Nevertheless, be sure to properly inspect each strawberry. For instance, if the chocolate has for any reason fallen off, the strawberry feels mushy, or you can see spots of mold, then it is advisable you do away with it and not attempt to consume them.
Things That Increase the Possibility of Spoilage for Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
-
Temperature
You need to be very careful and wary of temperature when making and storing your chocolate-covered strawberries. You need to ensure you don’t expose them to high temperatures as it can lead to the chocolate melting and losing its texture and flavor.
Aside from that, also note that storing them at too low of a temperature could lead to the strawberries getting frozen and spongy when thawed.
Owing to that, it is recommended you take great care with storing them and endeavor to keep them within a cool, stable environment to ensure they remain fresh and flavorful.
-
Moisture
Moisture has a way of causing the chocolate coating to get soft and lose its compactness, and also encouraging mold growth all over the strawberries.
As such, to guarantee freshness as well as the flavor of your chocolate-covered strawberries, it is pertinent you only store them in a dry environment and ensure they do not get exposed to moisture, be it during preparation or while storing.
-
Oxygen Exposure
Note that when chocolate-covered strawberries get exposed to oxygen, it causes spoilage or degradation. Aside from that, it will also lead to flavor changes coupled with the development of off-flavors.
To avoid this, you must invest in the right packaging, particularly properly sealed containers or wrapping, since they limit oxygen exposure and lengthen the freshness of the strawberries.
Another very valid option to take into consideration is Vacuum sealing to remove excess air and maintain the quality of your chocolate-covered strawberries
-
Time
Same as with most perishable foods, you must understand that chocolate-covered strawberries possess a very limited shelf life. Keep in mind that the longer these culinary magic are stored, the greater the risk of spoilage.
Owing to that, you must make and enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries within 2-3 days of preparation or purchase to be certain that they are enjoyed fresh. If there is a need to make and store them for longer periods, then you should freeze and store them appropriately.
-
Handling
It is important to state wrong handling will increase the risk of spoilage of chocolate-covered strawberries. Keep in mind that rough handling especially within the preparation or transportation can lead to the chocolate coating cracking or the strawberries getting damaged or discolored, and this further heightens the potential for spoilage.
Gentle handling and packaging are very important to guarantee the appearance and texture of the chocolate-covered strawberries.