Want to help your shoppers enjoy their Well•Pict Berries down to the very last (perfect) bite? Arm them with the tools to keep their berries in tip-top shape! As a retailer, you’re already familiar (especially if you’re a graduate of our Berry Academy) with how a few simple precautions can make the difference between a berry bursting with brightness and a limp, fading bit of mush. However, many folks out in the world whose only relationship to produce consists of buying it and eating it subscribe to the “throw it in the fridge and think about it later” mentality. How to properly care for delicate produce like strawberries just isn’t common knowledge. You can help change that.

Sharing the information outlined below on your social media channels and as printed leaflets in your produce section will not only help your shoppers get the most out of their berries, it will serve as a reminder that there is no danger in buying more packages than can be eaten in the next few days.

1) For berries that will be eaten soon, either put them in the fridge in their original 100% recyclable clamshell package or a different storage container with a dry paper towel lining the bottom. Don’t rinse them yet, save that step for right before you eat them.

2) For berries that might hang out for a while, first rinse and gently blot-dry the berries. Next, slice the cap off at the top of each berry. Place the capped berries cut-side down on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper, and place uncovered in the freezer for a minimum of six hours. Transfer the frozen berries to a freezer bag or freeze-proof container. Properly prepared frozen berries can be stored for several months!

3) For berries that are going to be gobbled up right away, simply wash under a gentle spray of cool water (leaving the caps attached). If they’ve been in the fridge, let them come to room temperature before serving.

And encourage your shoppers to bookmark our Berry Care page. It’s full of helpful tips!

Strawberries in colander and being sliced