One of the best classic delicacies to enjoy is chocolate-covered strawberries, be it at the end of a date, as a gift dessert for someone you care about, or just having fun.
However, note that the shelf life of these fragile yet mind-blowing fruits starts to elapse as soon as they’re picked. Keep in mind that the freshness of the ingredients—more precisely, the berries—will play a very important part in the overall shelf life of the chocolate-covered strawberries.
Owing to that, you need to understand the best way to store chocolate-covered strawberries to ensure they remain fresh and exciting.
Best Ways to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries
-
Refrigeration
This is indeed one of the well-known and common ways to store chocolate-covered strawberries to ensure they maintain their freshness and taste.
To refrigerate them, put them in a properly sealed container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, and ensure that the strawberries don’t become soggy.
Once you are done and satisfied that the container is properly arranged, you can then place it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Howbeit, it is important to point out that the chocolate might develop condensation once you take it out of the fridge. Owing to that, you should let them come to room temperature before serving.
-
Freezing
Another way to extend the shelf life of your chocolate-covered strawberries and ensure they remain fresh for a longer period is by freezing.
To achieve this, start by arranging the strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet that is properly fitted with parchment paper. Ensure that they are not touching each other.
After you have frozen the chocolate-covered strawberry solid, carefully place it inside a properly sealed container or freezer bag.
According to experts, chocolate-covered strawberries preserved this way can last for more than 1-2 months. To defreeze them, you only have to put them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
-
Wax Paper
You might want to consider this storage option if you have limited space in the refrigerator or freezer. While it might not be as successful as the options noted above, when done right you can store your chocolate-covered strawberries this way for around 2 to 3 days.
Carefully wrap the chocolate-covered strawberry in wax paper. The primary intent of this wrapping is to ensure they don’t stick together.
Aside from that, it will also ensure that the chocolate doesn’t absorb any odors in the fridge. Remember to put the wrapped strawberries into a sealed container and place them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
-
Room Temperature
Even though not a method that is recommended especially when you take into account the fragility of chocolate-covered strawberries, it is still an option that might serve when you are out of options.
Keep in mind that this storage method can only be used to store chocolate-covered strawberries for a short period, particularly if the ambient temperature is cool.
It is recommended you only make use of this method if you are certain that the strawberries will be consumed within the same day.
Endeavor to keep them in a cool, dry place, and most importantly away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Also, note that chocolate can get soft or melt once the temperature within the room gets too warm.