🍓 Fresh Fruit Mason Jar Prep
A simple, effective way to keep your berries and sliced fruits crisp and fresh for up to two weeks without them getting mushy.
-
Prep time: 15 minutes
-
Storage: Up to 10–14 days in the refrigerator
The Method
-
The Vinegar Soak (Optional but Recommended): To kill any mold spores on berries, soak them in a mixture of 3 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
-
Dry Completely: This is the most important step! Lay your fruit out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. They must be 100% dry before going into the jars. Any moisture trapped inside will cause spoilage.
-
Jar Selection: Use clean, dry glass Mason jars with tight-fitting lids. Glass provides a better seal and stays colder than plastic.
-
Layering: * Place firmer fruits (like grapes, melon, or pineapple) at the bottom.
-
Place delicate fruits (like raspberries, strawberries, or kiwi) toward the top.
-
-
Seal Tight: Screw the lids on firmly. The airtight environment in the glass jar significantly slows down the ripening and spoiling process.
💡 Why You’ll Love This
-
Visibility: You are more likely to eat the fruit when you can see it beautifully displayed in the fridge!
-
Freshness: Glass jars keep berries fresh far longer than the plastic ventilated containers they come in from the store.
-
Portion Control: Perfect for grabbing on the way to work or for kids to have a healthy snack ready to go.
Tips for Specific Fruits
-
Apples & Bananas: If you are prepping sliced apples or bananas in jars, toss them in a little lemon juice first to prevent browning.
-
Soft Berries: For raspberries and blackberries, place a small piece of paper towel at the bottom of the jar to absorb any tiny amounts of residual moisture.