Blueberries are delicious on their own or as part of many common breakfast foods, like a yoghurt bowl or porridge. That’s why they are commonly found in many British households, usually in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
However, ignoring some simple storage steps can lead to faster spoilage and even mould growth. Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health, explained how exactly blueberries are best kept in an interview for Martha Stewart’s official website. The first thing to note is that blueberries should not be stored at room temperature.
Two other important rules also apply: avoid washing them with water and don’t keep too many in one container.
How to properly store blueberries
- Sort the blueberries, inspecting and throwing away any mouldy, soft, or leaking blueberries.
- Prepare an airtight container with a dry paper towel.
- Arrange the blueberries, placing the unwashed blueberries in the container in a single layer. This helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to mould growth.
- Store the container in the fridge.
To extend the shelf life of blueberries, you can also freeze them using Washington State University’s simple method.
First, rinse the blueberries thoroughly and dry them completely before freezing. Proper drying is key to stopping the berries from clumping together when frozen.
Once that’s done, arrange the washed and dried blueberries in a single layer on a baking sheet. This step helps keep the berries separate and prevents them from sticking together.
Then, place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the berries to freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the blueberries to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.