Fresh, Ready-to-eat Blueberries One of the most common ways to store blueberries is keeping a stash of fresh blueberries in the fridge. It's important to refrigerate fresh berries after a grocery delivery, trip to the store or visit to the u-pick farm.
Buying and storing
Look for firm, plump berries. To store, place in a single layer on a plate lined with paper towel. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to five days.
"We recommend washing produce just prior to consumption," Melendez says. "Washing produce and then putting it in the fridge can shorten shelf life due to increased moisture levels." Waiting keeps berries fresher!
Proper storage will keep blueberries 2-3 days at room temperature. Freshly harvested blueberries will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
Avocado, apples, bananas, citrus fruits, berries, peaches, apricots, and nectarines should be stored out of the fridge. Refrigerating these fruits will result in loss of flavors and textures. However, you can refrigerate these fruits for 30 minutes prior to eating if you want a crisp bite.
If you leave ripe blueberries on the kitchen counter at room temperature, they will only last for a day or two before spoiling. It is best to keep them refrigerated. The best place to store blueberries is in the fridge where the shelf life of blueberries is about 2 weeks if properly stored.
That means no air-tight plastic or glass containers—though if that's all you have on hand, just leave the lid slightly ajar. You should also place a dry paper towel at the bottom of this container, to sop up any excess moisture that might cause more damage.
Prepping Properly Before Storing Fresh Blueberries
Your best bet when you want to store blueberries in the fridge is to not wash them until the day you intend to eat them. Introducing water and dampness creates an environment ideal for bacteria, mold and rot.
Yes! Blueberries (as well as other types of fruits and berries) need to be washed to rid them of bacteria, dirt, small bugs and pesticides. Normally, we would advise not to wash berries until you're ready to eat them, to avoid the extra moisture that causes spoilage.
Refrigerate fresh berries right after grocery shopping or a visit to the blueberry patch. You can store them in the plastic clamshell they come in, or in a large, un-covered bowl or container. Don't store fresh blueberries in an airtight container as this can trap moisture and speed up mold and rot.
When it comes to preserving fresh blueberries, moisture is the enemy. Choose a container with good airflow (like the pint the berries came in!), and line it with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Add the berries, then place the container on a shelf in the refrigerator.
The best way to store blueberries is by rinsing the berries, drying them completely, and then storing them in single layers in an airtight container with a paper towel between each layer. In our testing, this method kept the most berries in prime condition for the longest amount of time.
As mentioned above, glass jars keep out air, which lengthens the life of the produce. Glass jars are a safer, healthier alternative to plastic.
Unless you plan to use the strawberries right away, it's best to store them in your refrigerator to preserve freshness. Unrefrigerated, berries will last only a few days; stored in the fridge, they could last up to a week.
If you really want to ensure prolonged freshness, toss a sheet of FreshPaper into the container before putting your berries in the fridge. These compostable paper sheets are infused with organic spices (like fenugreek) that are naturally antibacterial and antifungal, which help offset spoilage.
Check on berries after an hour to see if they're dry. If not, give them a gentle stir with your hands or gently pat them dry. Once completely dry, move them to a clean mason jar. Cover with a lid and refrigerate.
Put the clean, dry berries back in the clamshell and store them in the fridge. Make sure to leave ventilation holes in the top uncovered so air can circulate in the package. Otherwise, store the berries in a clean container lined with paper towels, with the lid ajar so condensation can evaporate.
Fresh berries from your local farm taste amazing at room temperature so it's the sooner the better for munching. For long-term storage keep them in the fridge. To avoid soggy or moldy berries, rinse just before eating. Allow peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums to ripen at room temperature.
Why do berries go bad so fast? It comes down to moisture… and mold. Berries tend to be quite porous, water-rich and delicately skinned, meaning they soak up excess moisture in their environment very easily. They also pretty much all carry mold spores, which grow rapidly when moisture is plentiful.
Berries. Fresh berries taste better at room temperature. The cold temperatures take away from the sweet natural flavors of the berries that we know and love. However, for long-term storage, keep them in the fridge or freezer.
Do Fresh Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated? Freshly laid eggs need to be refrigerated immediately. Fresh eggs purchased from a farmers market need to be refrigerated as soon as you get home. Per USDA guidelines, eggs should be stored at 40 degrees F or below to help minimize the risk of Salmonella.