Blueberries are the perfect healthy breakfast, whether you sprinkle them on yoghurt or blend them into a smoothie. However, as much as I love blueberries, I am often hesitant to buy them as they can quickly become mouldy and fuzzy in just a few days.
I am tired of wasting money by having to throw away half the pack every week, but after doing a little research, I found that blueberries can spoil quickly when stored in their supermarket packaging. Blueberries contain a high amount of water, and the excess moisture can build up inside the plastic, creating the perfect environment for mould to grow.
However, storing blueberries properly so they stay fresh is actually very easy and takes less than five minutes, as all you need is a paper towel.
It might sound bizarre, but the key to keeping most fruit fresh is to keep it as dry as possible, and paper towels will absorb any of the moisture that leaks from the blueberries.
Storing blueberries with a paper towel is simple, but the most effective way to keep them juicy. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing breakfast rather than waking up to a fuzzy mess in your fridge.
How to store blueberries properly to keep them fresh for longer
All you need to do is line a storage container with paper towels. Blueberries need plenty of air to stay dry and fresh, so I tend to store them without a lid on the container.
Then, you simply need to put your blueberries in the container. Try to place them carefully, as blueberries have delicate skin, and any bruising can cause them to spoil before their time.
Some people online swear that washing blueberries with water and a little vinegar before storing them helps extend their shelf life.
However, in my experience, any moisture will speed up mould growth, and some moisture is excessive. I only wash berries before eating them, and I have found they stay fresh if I store them properly.
Place your blueberries in the fridge. Try to keep them away from the back wall, as this can be quite icy and cold, which can also damage them.
Put the blueberries in the middle of the fridge, change the paper towels if you notice they seem damp, and they should stay fresh for over a week longer than they usually would.
I have been storing my blueberries using the paper towel method for over 10 days now, and my blueberries are still ready to eat and bursting with flavour.