Experts weigh in on the best way to buy and store raspberries.
Sometimes I’ll even buy them at the grocery store in the off-season.
I’m a huge fan of these sweet-tart berries.
Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Getty Images
Why do plump, juicy-looking raspberries go bad so quickly?
Are there any tricks for storing them so that they don’t get mushy and gross?
I reached out to raspberry experts to find out.
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What To Look For When Buying Raspberries
The color of the raspberry should guide your selection.
A consistent color means the berries have a similar ripeness.
Pay attention to the shape of the berries, too.
Elana Lepkowski
“The best raspberries have plump cells and appear to have an almost sheen to them.”
Visiting a U-pick farm?
“Raspberries should easily fall off the stem without any resistance,” says Modery.
“They should be a medium shade of pink without being too deep purple or white.”
The second best to harvest them yourself is to buy them at the farmers market.
“Farmers like ourselves, harvest our raspberries the morning that they are sold,” says Modery.
Similar to blueberries, raspberries won’t continue to ripen after they’ve been picked.
Take a close look at the container that’s holding the raspberries.
If there is moisture in and around the container, I’d avoid buying them.
If they get wet at home, transfer the raspberries into a dry bowl lined with paper towels.
“Put your raspberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get home,” says Bocock.
“Keep them there until youre ready to eat them.”
Don’t wash the berries until you’re ready to enjoy them.
Modery adds, “Keep them as dry as possible so they do not mold too quickly.”
Raspberries are an exception because moisture can cause them to get mushy.
If you’re not sure you’ll indulge in the whole container, wash them as you go.
