Blueberries can quickly go mouldy if not stored correctly, but one simple tip can keep them fresh for up to three weeks longer
Blueberries can quickly go mouldy if not stored correctly, but one simple tip can keep them fresh for up to three weeks longer(Image: boonchai wedmakawand via Getty Images)
Blueberry season got underway in May, and increasing numbers of people will be snapping up these juicy berries for healthy breakfasts, outdoor picnics, or homemade desserts. They usually become more affordable at this time of year, but you’ll end up throwing money away if you have to chuck them out after a day because of mould.
It might seem surprising, but blueberries are more likely to spoil when kept in their original supermarket packaging, as it’s made from plastic, which encourages condensation. Berries contain high water levels, which evaporate during storage, and when moist air encounters a cold surface, it creates condensation – tiny water droplets that can speed up mould development.
However, cookbook author and founder of Tried, Tested, and True, Lisa Childs, has shared a straightforward technique for storing blueberries properly to prolong their freshness, needing nothing more than paper towels.
Lisa explained: “Because the original berry containers are vented, berries stored in them will not last quite as long. To make your berries stay fresh longer, store berries in a large, shallow [containers] with an airtight lid, lined with paper towels.”
Blueberries are usually packaged in plastic containers with multiple holes, which helps maintain their freshness during transport by allowing adequate airflow to stop moisture from building up. Fridges, however, are notoriously damp environments, and blueberries left sitting still tend to collect moisture inside their container, which eventually causes mould to develop, reports Wales Online.
Paper towels are the most reliable item to keep alongside blueberries, as they soak up any condensation that builds up within the container, helping to maintain dryness around the berries.
Keeping blueberries in an airtight food container, glass mason jars or even takeaway food trays also works well, as it stops them from stacking on top of each other, further cutting down on moisture accumulation.
How to keep berries fresh for longer
First and foremost, make sure you’re picking the best blueberries at the supermarket. Opt for those at the back of the shelf and steer clear of any that look dark or shrivelled.
Once you’re back from the shops, give them a good rinse under the tap to wash away any bacteria, then spread them out on a generous layer of paper towels. Place extra paper towels inside an airtight food container before adding your blueberries.
Simply pop your blueberries in the fridge, making sure they are completely dry, as any leftover moisture will encourage mould and spoilage.
Your blueberries should stay fresh for at least a week longer than normal, though some people have found this storage method can stretch their shelf life by as much as three weeks in some cases.
