I love blueberries. They are rich in antioxidants, taste delicious, and are fantastic in pancakes. Unfortunately, here in tropical Singapore, blueberries are pricey and don’t last very long before they get mushy
If you love blueberries as much as we do, here are some tips on how you can store blueberries so you can keep them fresh for as long as possible.
The Best Way To Store Blueberries
Obviously avoid buying any berries that look fuzzy, soft, or wrinkly—these are signs that they’re either rotten or almost rotten. When you get home, go through the berries and remove any bad ones, as mould travels fast, so it’s best to get rid of them. To avoid mould development, try not to rinse the berries until right before you’re ready to eat them. When it comes to preserving fresh blueberries, avoid exposing them to any moisture.
The next step is to select a container with good airflow, and line it with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Add the berries, then place the container on a shelf in the refrigerator. A shelf is better than the crisper drawer because there’s better air circulation. Stored in this way, you can expect blueberries to last for about a week.
How To Freeze Blueberries
Frozen blueberries can stay fresh for a few months at least. Although the texture will change, frozen blueberries can still be used for smoothies or baked goods. To freeze blueberries, here’s what you need to do:
Simply spread them out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze for a couple hours, until the berries are firm. Then transfer them into a plastic bag or airtight freezer container.
If you need fresh blueberries, you can place the frozen berries in a colander and run some cool water over them, and they’ll have thawed before you know it.
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