Make the most of blueberry season!
And knowing how to store blueberries correctly is essential because they can spoil before you know it.
Avoid berries that look fuzzy, soft, or wrinklysigns that they’re either rotten or almost rotten.
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(There’s no point in storing spoiled blueberries.)
“If it rattles like marbles, it will be an incredible pack!”
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.
“Rinse them gently in cool running water just before you plan to eat them.”
you might 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 towash blueberriesright before consuming.
However, this is where it gets tricky.
Since blueberries spoil more slowly than raspberries or strawberries, you have options.
First, choose a container with good airflow (airflow is important, according to Bocock).
When properly stored in the refrigerator, blueberries will last for about two weeks.
How to Freeze Blueberries
Blueberries can be frozen, too.
Frozen blueberries taste like tiny bursts of blueberry sorbet."
To freeze them, follow these simple steps:
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!
In this case, dry the blueberries as much as possible to minimize moisture.
A sealed glass container can promote mold growth, so loosely cap it or use a ventilated top.
If storing in the freezer, ensure the glass is freezer-safe.
To keep blueberries fresh and avoid mold, you want to minimize moisture.
Add a paper towel to the bottom of the container to absorb extra moisture.
