Once purchased, strawberries should be eaten within a day or two. At home, remove them from their container and carefully check the fruit. Discard any crushed or moldy ones; mold spreads quickly and will spoil the lot. If there is any moisture on them, blot them gently with paper towels, because moisture hastens decay. For best results, spread the strawberries in a single layer on a plate or tray lined with paper towels.