Blueberries are delicious summer berries that you can enjoy plain for a healthy snack, added to yogurt or salads, and even incorporated into baked preparations. Unfortunately, if they are badly stored, these fruits lose much of their flavor and, in some cases, become mushy and full of mold. This article will teach you how to store them properly, both in the refrigerator and in the freezer.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Separate the moldy fruits from the fresh ones
Look for and discard any that have a white "fluff" that develops mostly near the stem area. You should also remove any that seem too soft or withered, in fact they are too ripe and will rot quickly. This operation avoids the spread of mold.
Step 2. Detach the stems
Most fall spontaneously, but it's always a good idea to check the fruit and get rid of any remaining stems. They are not harmful when eaten, but they have a bitter taste.
Step 3. Consider washing the fruit with a 1: 3 solution of vinegar and water
Generally speaking, you shouldn't wash blueberries until you are ready to eat them, otherwise you promote mold growth. However, if you rinse them with water and vinegar, you can kill the spores and prevent mold from growing. To do this, place the fruits in a sieve or colander and immerse them in a bowl of this solution. Shake the colander and then take it out; at the end rinse the blueberries under cold running water to eliminate the vinegar flavor.
Step 4. Remember to dry them
If you leave traces of moisture on blueberries, mold will grow quickly. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them. Here are some methods:
- Line the inside of a salad spinner with kitchen paper and add the berries. Centrifuge them for a few seconds until you have eliminated all the moisture.
- Arrange them on a tray and wait for them to air dry. You can use a fan to speed up the process.
Method 2 of 3: In the refrigerator
Step 1. Get a bin-like container and wash it thoroughly
You can use a ceramic bowl that has crevices or the original basket in which the blueberries were sold. The container must have small holes to ensure adequate air flow.
Avoid metal. Blueberries react with metals and both the fruit and the container could get stained and damaged
Step 2. Fold a sheet of blotting paper into four parts and place it on the bottom of the basket
If the container is large, such as a bowl, then you will need to use multiple sheets of paper without the need to fold them.
Step 3. Place the blueberries on the paper towel
In this way the absorbent layer can retain moisture and prevent the formation of mold.
Step 4. Return the basket to the refrigerator
Avoid putting berries in the coldest area of the appliance, otherwise they will be damaged. The best area to store them is the central or lower shelf, but avoid specific vegetable drawers because, in general, they are very humid areas that do not guarantee good ventilation, with the risk that molds can develop. Blueberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
The coldest part of the appliance is the top shelf
Method 3 of 3: In the Freezer
Step 1. Arrange the fruits in a single layer on a tray
First you need to freeze the blueberries individually. This way they won't stick together and won't form frozen clusters. You can also use a saucepan, roasting dish, or baking sheet. If you opt for a metal container, line it with parchment paper first to protect the fruit.
Step 2. Place the tray in the freezer and wait for the blueberries to turn hard
It will take two to three hours to freeze them completely.
Step 3. Transfer the blueberries to an airtight, freezer-safe bag
Remove the tray from the freezer trying not to drop the blueberries; transfer the latter into the bag with the help of a spoon or by tilting the tray over the opening of the bag.
Step 4. Close the bag and put it in the freezer; blueberries will keep for up to a year
There is no need to defrost fruit if you are incorporating it into a baking recipe; remember, however, to rinse it in cold water until it runs clean. This prevents the blueberries from staining the other ingredients with their juices
Packaged and stored properly, blueberries can be frozen optimally for 6-8 months but they can still be consumed beyond this period.
Blueberries freeze well, retaining shape and texture for cooking use.
