Summer’s fresh berries are a precious part of the season. Learn some quick tips to choosing the best looking blueberries and how to store them until ready to eat or cook with.
By Danelle MC
Shutterstock: Alexeysun
Choosing Blueberries
A few things to remember when choosing blueberries:
- Blueberries don’t ripen after picking, so be sure to choose berries that are completely blue, with no tinge of red.
- Don’t worry about that shimmery silver coating you often see on blueberries. It’s a natural protectant.
- Watch for stained or leaking containers that may indicate soft, watery or moldy blueberries, or fruit that is past its prime.
Storing Blueberries
Don’t wash your blueberries until you’re ready to use them, as moisture speed deterioration. Kept in the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks if they’re freshly-picked. Blueberries also freeze wonderfully, especially if you’ll be using them for cooking and baking. Again, don’t wash them before freezing. Instead, rinse them after thawing and before eating. To freeze blueberries, place them in a rigid, covered container or zip-top freezer bag with about one inch of space for expansion.
Delicious Recipes that use Blueberries
