How Long Fresh Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Will Stay Good

There are plenty of classic food-related gifts just perfect for the loved ones in your life — heart shaped boxes of chocolates come to mind — but is there any as exciting as chocolate-covered strawberries? The combination of creamy, luxurious chocolate and the bright pop of juicy strawberries is a match made in culinary heaven, and they happen to look absolutely lovely, too. Making homemade chocolate-covered strawberries is well within reach for anyone, even those with little experience in the kitchen, though Bristol Farms' Chocolate Dipped Strawberries are a great option as well. Either way, you will likely need these treats ahead of time to best plan your gift, but how long do they last? To ensure they stay in peak condition for the special day, note that chocolate-covered strawberries are only fresh for a few days at most.

The reality is that any fresh chocolate-covered strawberries should be eaten within 24 hours of being made or purchased if you want them to taste their best. If properly stored in your refrigerator, they may last for an extra two to three days. If you don't want to risk them being discovered in the fridge, they can also be stored at room temperature; though, in that case, you only have a day before they start to spoil.

Even if stored in the fridge, keep watch of your chocolate-covered strawberries. Over time, they will start to sweat condensation, which can impact their appearance and texture. As it turns out, paper towels are the key to storing your chocolate-covered strawberries, as they can help whisk away and absorb moisture. However, don't store them in an airtight container, as this can trap moisture and contribute to spoilage. Instead, place your chocolate goodies in an open container with the paper towel at the bottom, loosely covering it with foil or plastic wrap. If you have the space, place them in a crisper drawer set to low moisture for additional assistance.

As your chocolate-covered strawberries are stored in the fridge, be vigilant for signs that they have begun to spoil. Mold is an obvious indicator, but if you look at the top of your strawberry and it appears mushy, that too is a sign that they have turned for the worse. Chocolate falling off the strawberries may also signal that they have released too much moisture. In any of these cases, you shouldn't risk eating them, let alone gift them to someone else. If the prospect of losing your sweet treat feels too high, you can also freeze chocolate-covered strawberries, although this can also make them more mushy. So, while there are a few ways to preserve them, purchasing Milk Madness Chocolatey Dipped Strawberries or Shari's Berries Gourmet Drizzled Strawberries are both excellent ways to gift them quickly.