Summer is just around the corner and blueberries will be in season soon, but there is nothing more frustrating than buying fresh berries only for them to spoil within a day. Blueberries often become mouldy quickly – not many people realise they should not be stored in plastic and need to be taken out of their original packaging as soon as you get home from the supermarket.
Berries have a high water content and plastic will trap more moisture in an environment which will encourage bacteria to turn your blueberries into mouldy fuzzy mush. However Amy Cross, a storage expert and founder of The Cross Legacy has shared a simple way to keep blueberries fresh for weeks rather than days, and all you need is a little bit of vinegar.
Amy said: “Washing blueberries, the correct way, as well as storing them in mason jars or glass containers, will extend their shelf life to six to eight weeks! This allows you to enjoy fresh blueberries for months.”
It may seem bizarre, but white vinegar is acidic enough to kill any bacteria already on the blueberries will greatly reduce the chances of mould growth.
Vinegar is a natural way to extend blueberries freshness, and do not worry it will not affect the taste of the berries as long as you wash them properly.
How to store blueberries to keep them fresh for weeks
All you need to do is fill a large glass bowl with water and add 60ml (four tablespoons) of white vinegar.
You only need regular cooking white vinegar you get in the sauce or salad section of most supermarkets.
Add the blueberries to the bowl and let them soak for exactly two minutes, as any longer could risk affecting the taste.
Amy said: “Set a timer for two minutes and allow the blueberries to soak in the vinegar rinse.”
Once the time is up, lay the blueberries on a tea towel and let them air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them.
Then, simply place the blueberries in a glass container with a lid. It is better to store fruit in glass as it allows more air circulation which stops moisture build up that causes mould.
If you want to keep blueberries extra fresh add a paper towel to the bottom of your glass container. It will absorb any moisture that leaks from the blueberries which also keeps them fresh.
Place your blueberries in the fridge and you will have beautiful juicy berries all summer if you take three minutes to store them correctly.