Do you have leftover chocolate covered strawberries? Maybe you haven’t finished the strawberries in our Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Box. Or, you haven’t quite made it through our Delicious Celebration® Dipped Strawberries & Pineapple. It’s totally ok to not finish up chocolate covered strawberries in one sitting (though who could blame you if you did?). In particular, at Edible Arrangements®, we believe fresh fruit makes all the difference in providing a WOW-worthy experience including our chocolate covered strawberries. We stand by our products and quality of our fresh fruit. When indulging or storing our chocolate covered strawberries, rest assured that Edible Arrangements® means Real Fruit. No Kidding™. Finally, to ensure your chocolate covered strawberries last as long as possible, take the time to store them correctly. Here’s more info on how to store those strawberries for later and how long they’ll last using each method.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries at Room Temperature
Chocolate covered strawberries do not have to go into the refrigerator the moment you’ve had enough. In fact, the best way to store chocolate covered strawberries is by keeping them at room temperature, as they retain the most flavor at room temperature. Plus, keeping them loosely covered on your countertop prevents condensation from building up. Condensation gives your strawberries the appearance of “sweating,” which doesn’t look or taste that great. It also speeds up the rate at which your fruit spoils.
Instead, keep chocolate covered strawberries loosely covered on your countertop. Chocolate covered strawberries can last up to 24 hours at room temperature. Simply cover the berries loosely with foil to ensure they stay the freshest. You never want to use an airtight container. Chocolate covered strawberries release carbon dioxide, which will get trapped in a tightly-covered container and cause condensation and sweating. The moisture build-up will cause your fruit to spoil at a more rapid pace and could eventually even lead to mold growth. Instead, allow for proper airflow and let your chocolate covered strawberries “breathe.”
How to Store Chocolate Covered Strawberries in the Refrigerator
If you know you’re not going to finish up the chocolate covered strawberries in the next 24 hours, you can refrigerate them. Chocolate covered strawberries will last up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. To avoid sweating and mold growth that could spoil your fruit, first lay down a few paper towels in the bottom of a container. Some experts even recommend sprinkling a little baking soda on it to absorb extra moisture. Place another paper towel on top of the baking soda so your strawberries don’t touch the baking soda. Then, place your strawberries in a single layer in the container and cover them loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Once again, avoid using an airtight container, which can trap excess condensation and lead to spoiling. Instead, cover the berries loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in a single layer to avoid crowding the berries, which can lead to excess sweating. Use additional containers if necessary to keep them spread out and allow for proper airflow.
How to Freeze Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Many people are surprised to find out that you can actually freeze chocolate covered strawberries. If you know you aren’t going to finish the berries within the next 24 or 48 hours, your best bet is to freeze them. Chocolate covered strawberries can last up to three months in the freezer. However, you must freeze — and defrost — them correctly for the best results.
Before piling them into the freezer, it’s best to “flash freeze” your berries to prevent them from sticking together in a giant clump when frozen. To do this, place the chocolate covered strawberries on a parchment-lined cookie sheet in a single layer, leaving plenty of space between the strawberries. Freeze for about three hours or until they are solid. Once they’re sufficiently frozen, you can place them in a freezer container or bag. Frozen berries are the one instance you want to ensure an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn, so be sure to use a bag or container that has been designed for freezer use.
When you’re ready to enjoy the chocolate covered strawberries, you can defrost them in the fridge for an hour. You don’t want to defrost the strawberries completely or they can become mushy and watery. Instead, let them partially defrost in the refrigerator. Then enjoy them while they’re still a little cold. They’ll retain their crunch, while still providing you with plenty of juicy flavor.
Understanding how long chocolate covered strawberries last and how to best store them can help you plan ahead with your chocolate covered strawberry treats. Maybe you’ve just received a delicious arrangement like our A Berry Sweet Bundle or our Chocolate Dipped Indulgence Platter. Storing the chocolate covered strawberries properly will ensure they stay fresh longer so you can enjoy every last bite.
More FAQs About How Long Chocolate Covered Strawberries Last
When dipping strawberries and chocolate should they be cold or room temperature?
Strawberries should be room temperature when dipping them in chocolate. In addition, avoid putting them in the refrigerator to set the chocolate; the chocolate should be set at room temperature also.
Can I leave chocolate covered strawberries out overnight?
You can leave chocolate covered strawberries out overnight if you’ll be eating them within 24 hours. Otherwise, you can store them in the refrigerator and eat them within two to three days. However, they’re best enjoyed at room temperature within 24 hours. When storing them in the fridge, line the bottom of a container with paper towels and place the chocolate covered strawberries in a single layer. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Don’t use an airtight container. It will cause your chocolate covered strawberries to attract more condensation, which creates the appearance of “sweating” and leads to faster spoilage.
How do you dry strawberries after dipping in chocolate?
To dry strawberries after dipping them in chocolate, line a sheet pan with wax paper or parchment paper. As you dip them in chocolate, place each freshly dipped strawberry on the pan, leaving ample space around it for air circulation. Allow your chocolate covered strawberries to rest at room temperature. The chocolate will set in about 30 minutes.
How do you transport chocolate covered strawberries?
Transport chocolate covered strawberries in an open container with high sides (tall enough that the strawberries won’t fall out). You can place each chocolate covered strawberry in a cupcake liner or baking cup to prevent them from bumping into each other during transit. To ship chocolate covered strawberries, refrigerate them immediately after making them to allow them to cool fully. Then, wrap them individually in cellophane or individual baking cups. Place them in a single layer in a container with space between them. Close this container and pack it in a larger, insulated shipping container with dry ice or frozen cold packs. This will keep the strawberries at a cooler temperature during shipping.
