Key Takeaways
- Most experts recommend not washing blueberries before storing them in the fridge because the moisture can cause premature spoilage.
- Blueberries last several days on the counter but can last up to two weeks in the fridge and for around six months in the freezer.
- Do not store blueberries in the crisper drawer because they thrive with less humidity and more air circulation
Whether you eat them alone, fold them into pancake batter, cook them down into jam, or add them to a breakfast smoothie, blueberries taste like pure summer. And knowing how to store blueberries correctly is essential because they can spoil before you know it.
Unfortunately, fresh blueberries don't last very long after picking (though they are more resilient than other berries). To buy yourself even more time, read on for the best way to store blueberries to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-store-blueberries-2000-00cda4a2eda74037af3aaf6224cb1912.jpg)
Choosing and Preparing Blueberries for Storage
When picking blueberries, buy the nicest-looking blueberries that are plump and dry. Avoid berries that look fuzzy, soft, or wrinkly—signs that they're either rotten or almost rotten. (There's no point in storing spoiled blueberries.) To find the ripest container of the bunch, Naturipe Farms food expert Brian Bocock says to shake the container. "If it rattles like marbles, it will be an incredible pack!"
When you get home, sort through the blueberries and remove any mushy blueberries or ones that have started leaking liquid. Blueberries left out on a counter will only last a few days before they begin to go bad or soften. If you plan on eating or using your blueberries right away, then it's OK to leave them out. Otherwise, refrigerate or freeze them.
When to Wash Blueberries
When storing fresh blueberries, moisture is the enemy. So, to avoid mold development, most experts recommend not rinsing blueberries before storing them in a refrigerator. "Washing blueberries can cause them to spoil faster, especially if they are left wet," says Bocock. "Rinse them gently in cool running water just before you plan to eat them." You can also soak them in salt water (1 tbsp of salt per cup) before rinsing.
If freezing, rinse and dry beforehand, but again, the general recommendation is to wash blueberries right before consuming. However, this is where it gets tricky. If you plan to use them within a quick window, some experts are OK with washing blueberries a little early. Odette D'Aniello of Dragonfly Cakes has 10 blueberry bushes in her garden, and she prefers washing them before storing.
"During harvest [and after washing], I store blueberries in a covered mason jar or a glass-covered container with a piece of paper towel inside to eat later or to add in salads and dressings," says D'Aniello. Since blueberries spoil more slowly than raspberries or strawberries, you have options.
The Best Way to Store Blueberries in the Refrigerator
When storing blueberries in a refrigerator, don't overthink it—blueberries are pretty resilient with a few simple tweaks. First, choose a container with good airflow (airflow is important, according to Bocock). In most cases, Bocock says the clamshells the berries come in are perfect since you want to keep moisture out, not trap it. Regardless of the vessel, remove the berries, then line it with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Add the berries back to the container, then place the container on the upper or middle shelf in the refrigerator. Storing blueberries on a shelf is better than keeping them in the crisper drawer because an upper shelf has better air circulation and less humidity.
When properly stored in the refrigerator, blueberries will last for about two weeks. Keep an eye on them and look for signs of rotting: mushiness, fuzzy skin, or wrinkled texture.
How to Freeze Blueberries
Blueberries can be frozen, too. "During the summer, I buy bulk blueberries from local farmers' markets or you-pick farms," says D'Aniello. "I freeze them on a sheet tray and store them in place ziploc bags and keep them in the freezer to use in smoothies, fillings, etc, or to just snack on a hot day. Frozen blueberries taste like tiny bursts of blueberry sorbet."
When thawed, the texture will change, but as D'Aniello notes, frozen blueberries are perfect for tossing into smoothies or adding to baked goods. To freeze them, follow these simple steps:
- Wash and dry the blueberries.
- Spread blueberries out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place in the freezer for a couple of hours, until berries are firm. (This prevents the blueberries from clumping up together.)
- Transfer berries to a plastic bag or airtight freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as you can from the bag.
- Label the bag or container with the date so you remember when they were frozen.
- Freeze the blueberries until ready for use.
Once frozen, blueberries stay good for about six months. They can last up to 10 months frozen, but their peak ripeness is at the six-month mark. You don't need to thaw frozen blueberries for most applications (they'll thaw in the process!), but if a recipe calls for fresh blueberries, all you have to do is place the frozen berries in a colander and run some cool water over them—they'll thaw before you know it.
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com for info on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com is the latest addition to my blogs
