How To Store Blueberries

5 days ago

2 min read

Blueberries piled high against a wooden cutting board background.

Overview

Blueberries are the super-healthy berry that adds to your breakfast parfaits, post-workout smoothies, or refreshing salads.

They've earned the colloquial term 'superfood' by having the highest quantities of antioxidants of any fruit or vegetable, as well as being high in vitamin C and fibre. This berry is available in British Columbia from July to September.

Storing your blueberries correctly is important; they soften and wrinkle easily, and improper storage can lead to mouldy outbreaks.

Selecting Blueberries

To select the best blueberries that will remain fresh, watch out for:

Colour: Dark blue will be riper and sweeter than reddish berries
Moisture: Try to avoid containers that have visible droplets of water
Texture: Look for plump, firm berries; avoid containers with mushy or broken berries

Best Storage Method for Blueberries

Refrigeration is the best storage method for blueberries.

Prioritize removing moisture, mould, and minimizing the berry’s time outside the fridge. Remove mouldy berries from the original container the berries were purchased in.

Do not wash the berries before storage. If the original container is wet, remove the berries, dry them with a paper towel, and place them in a dry container.

Wash the berries right before eating or right before use when cooking.

How Long Do They Last?

Berries stored properly in the fridge will last up to 9 days. If you anticipate that you’ll be unable to finish the berries in time, check out our blog post on preservation to make your berries last.

Signs It Has Gone Bad

Some indications that your berries have gone bad is squishy, wrinkly skin, or visible mold. Squishy, wrinkly berries aren’t inherently bad, although they don’t make for a pleasant eating experience.

To save old berries, pick through the container to ensure that mould hasn’t touched the majority of the berries, and either freeze to use in smoothies, or turn into a compote.

Common Storage Mistakes

Common storage mistakes include:

Leaving the berries out on the counter for extended periods of time
Washing before storage
Not removing mouldy berries before storing in the fridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the waxy white residue that forms on the berries, and is it natural?

A: The residue is a natural product of the fruit called cuticular wax, also known as ‘bloom’. Plums and grapes have bloom as well. It’s the fruit’s natural defence against insects and bacteria that seals the berry’s own moisture in.

Why shouldn’t the berries be washed before storage?

A: Washing berries before storage creates an environment favourable for bacteria and mould to grow. Towel drying often misses some of the moisture, and air-drying exposes the berries to a room-temperature environment for longer, which degrades the fruit.

Key Takeaways

The best way to store blueberries is immediately refrigerating them
Avoid washing the berries until consuming them, or cooking with them
Mouldy berries can and should be removed from the rest of the berries

Want more produce storage and preservation tips? Follow our instagram @terrarootsco and facebook at terrarootscommunity.