How to Store Blueberries So They Last Longer
The blueberry is a rather low-maintenance fruit, but proper storage is important to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
How Long Do Blueberries Last?
It depends on how you store them.
You can leave blueberries at room temperature if you plan to eat them in the next day or so, but after that you should transfer them to the fridge—they can stay there for five to 10 days.
Of course, you can freeze them if you want to keep them longer than that. Frozen blueberries will last about six months.
Related: Our Best Blueberry Desserts Ever
How to Choose Blueberries
Look for plump, smooth, dark bluish purple blueberries without leaves or stems.
Avoid red blueberries, as these are probably not ripe and won’t continue to ripen once picked. Shriveled, wrinkly berries are also not ideal.
How to Store Blueberries
When you get home from the store, immediately rifle through the blueberries to make sure none are growing mold. One moldy blueberry could spoil the whole bunch, so it’s important not to skip this step.
Hold off on rinsing unless you plan to eat the blueberries right away. Moisture promotes bacteria growth, so you should keep your berries as dry as possible. If you must wash them all at once, though, just remember to take special care to ensure they’re completely dry before you put them away.
The easiest way to store blueberries is to use the breathable container they came in. Go ahead and pop a paper towel in the bottom to absorb any excess moisture that may leak out.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Avoid putting them in the crisper drawer, as they’ll stay fresher longer with better air circulation.
Related: What to Do with Too Many Blueberries
How to Freeze Blueberries
If you can’t possibly finish your fresh blueberries in the 10-day window, freezing is a great option. Here’s how:
Place completely dry berries on a rimmed baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap or foil. Place in the freezer overnight.
Transfer frozen blueberries to a freezer-safe storage bag marked with the date. Freeze for six to eight months.
How to Thaw Frozen Blueberries
The best way to thaw frozen berries is in the fridge. Just transfer them from the freezer the night before you plan to use them—they should be ready-to-go the next day.
Short on time? Place the bag of frozen blueberries into a cold water bath. This should thaw them more quickly.
Avoid thawing in the microwave, as this can cause mushiness.
Blueberry Recipes
All this blueberry talk got you craving the summer fruit? We’ve got you covered. Check out a few of our favorite blueberry recipes of all time:
