Don't Be Fooled: How to Spot Old Strawberries

There’s nothing worse than biting into a strawberry that *looks* fine but tastes bland or mushy. Whether you’re shopping at the store or opening your weekly fruit box, knowing how to spot old strawberries can save your tastebuds — and your wallet.

Here’s how to tell if strawberries are past their prime:

**1. Check the Color**
Fresh strawberries should be a bright, deep red with a natural shine. If they look dull, faded, or have white or green patches, they were picked too early or are starting to go bad.

**2. Feel for Firmness**
Give them a gentle squeeze. Strawberries should feel plump and firm — not squishy, slimy, or overly soft. A mushy berry is usually a spoiled one.

**3. Look Underneath**
Flip the container over or check the bottom of your basket. Mold and juice pooling underneath are signs of spoilage hiding below the surface.

**4. Sniff Test**
Fresh strawberries have a sweet, fruity smell. If they smell sour or musty (or have no smell at all), skip them.

**5. Watch for Wrinkles**
Shriveled or dry-looking skin is a subtle sign the berry has been sitting too long. The texture won’t be great, even if it’s still edible.

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**How Fresh N’ Dish Helps**
We pack our boxes hours after harvest, so your berries stay fresher, longer. Plus, you’ll always know what’s in season thanks to our weekly harvest updates — no guessing, no surprises.

Want farm-fresh strawberries without the supermarket stress?
Explore our produce boxes HERE

📍 **Now delivering to**: Toronto, North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Oakville, and Etobicoke.