What To Do With Mushy Overripe Strawberries

Justin Micheal

Food Writer & Editor in Chief For KitchenSanity

Justin Micheal is KitchenSanity's founder, food writer and editor in chief. As an expert home cook with over 30 years of daily cooking experience and food handler certifications, he's a pro at experimenting with recipes and a stickler for food safety. He writes informative and detailed guides about cooking basics such as proper food storage, cutting and cooking methods, and choosing the right products to make cooking easier.

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I’m a huge fan of fresh strawberries, but sometimes during the strawberry season, I end up with too many left in the fridge. Panic sets in, and I’m wondering what to do with strawberries that are going bad?

I wouldn’t add overripe strawberries to a salad because they are just too mushy. But, I could freeze them to use at a later date. There are so many ways to use strawberries that are starting to go bad.

So, don’t panic next time you have too many berries in the fridge. Because if you love strawberries, I’m sure you will love my favorite and delicious strawberry recipes that don’t require fresh berries.

What To Do With Strawberries That Are Going Bad

1. Greek Yogurt Topped With Pureed Strawberries

strawberry yogurt in glass cups

Puree your overripe strawberries and top them over a nice thick Greek yogurt. This is something you can have for breakfast or add a bit of extra sugar and have for dessert.

2. Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream

fresh homemade strawberry ice cream

Of course, you don’t need overripe strawberries to make this recipe, but it is a great way to use them up. This fresh strawberry ice cream is perfect for summertime. If you have a sweet tooth, make a layer of extra sweet puree to take your ice cream to the next level.

3. Strawberry Dessert Pancakes

A simple homemade strawberry jam is a delicious way to top your pancakes, whether making them for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The more savory the pancake, the sweeter the jam you can get away with. Making simple jams are an easy way to add to or top other recipes.

4. Strawberry Pie

homemade strawberry pie

This fruit pie is usually made with fresh strawberries, but if you have some strawberries that are starting to go bad, you may still be able to use them in this recipe. The key to using berries past their prime is to use them whole because they will break down as they cook.

5. Strawberry Crisp

homemade strawberry crisp cobbler

Strawberry crisp can be served warm or cold and is a great way to use up overripe strawberries. This simple recipe can be a delicious dessert or an indulgent breakfast. Cut back on the sugar if you’re serving it for breakfast so you can gobble up a little extra without any guilt.

6. Strawberry Muffins

homemade strawberry muffins on plate

Strawberry and orange muffins are an easy way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. The orange juice and orange zest helps to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries. When the weather is on the chilly side, I will warm these muffins in the microwave with a pad of butter.

7. Strawberry Smoothies

Instead of making a strawberry-only smoothie, try adding other fruit that you may have on hand, such as blueberries or raspberries. Milk is rather thin on its own, so adding a banana to your smoothie will make it extra creamy. It’s tasty and thick but not quite as rich as a milkshake.

What To Do With Old Strawberries FAQs

Are Mushy Strawberries OK To Eat?

Mushy strawberries are fine to eat if they don’t show any signs of spoilage. Using them in a recipe rather than on their own is best. There is a point when overripe strawberries will lose flavor and their sweet taste. If you feel that they are too mushy to use, you should toss them or compost them.

When Should You Throw Away Strawberries?

You should throw away strawberries that are moldy or have signs of spoilage. If your berries have a sour smell, are slimy, or have white fuzz on them, they need to be tossed. Don’t taste them to see if they’re still good because you could get sick from eating bad strawberries.

How Do You Save Strawberries That Are Going Bad?

If your strawberries are a bit past their prime, you can try to save them by pureeing or chopping them up and adding them to a recipe. You can also freeze them whole or in a pureed state. When strawberries are going bad, they will start to get mushy, and their color will change from bright red to duller shades. Still unsure? Here is how to know how long strawberries are good for.

Written By Justin Micheal

Justin Micheal is KitchenSanity's founder, food writer and editor in chief. As an expert home cook with over 30 years of daily cooking experience and food handler certifications, he's a pro at experimenting with recipes and a stickler for food safety. He writes informative and detailed guides about cooking basics such as proper food storage, cutting and cooking methods, and choosing the right products to make cooking easier.

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