Step-by-step instructions on how to store blueberries, keeping them fresh and sweet for weeks! The secret is a paper towel! Sort and remove damaged berries, refrigerate in a dry container, and wash just before enjoying. Also includes directions on how to freeze blueberries.

blueberries in container, storing longer with paper towel on bottom. - 1

We love blueberries, but we don’t like mushy softened blueberries. Besides baking with them (like yummy blueberry scones , blueberry pie and mini blueberry muffins ), and making blueberry smoothies , my family just loves snacking on them.

Here’s my favorite method on storing blueberries to keep them fresh for 2-3 weeks. No more buying them from the grocery store and having them go bad in a few days!

Remember, it’s essential to inspect the blueberries periodically during storage and remove any spoiled ones to prevent spoilage from spreading to the rest of the batch.

container filled with blueberries. - 2

Do blueberries last longer in the fridge or on the counter?

Blueberries last longer when stored in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. The cool temperature of the fridge helps slow down the ripening process and inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold, extending their shelf life.

Do blueberries keep better washed or unwashed?

It’s best not to wash blueberries before storing them, as moisture can accelerate spoilage. Wait to wash them just before consuming.

How to Store

Sort and remove damaged berries: Inspect the blueberries and remove any soft, mushy, or moldy berries. This helps prevent the spread of spoilage to other berries. Do not wash before storing.

blueberries in strainer. - 3

Keep them dry: Line a breathable container (no sealed lid), such as the box or package the berries came in, or a large plastic container with a paper towel on the bottom. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture, and the air circulation will deter mold.

blueberry container lined with paper towels. - 4

Place the blueberries on top of the paper towel and close the lid.

blueberries on paper towel in container. - 5

Note: If you are storing berries in large quantities, such as if you’re picking berries from the garden or just came back from the berry farm, make sure to put them in a shallow layer so that the weight of the berries doesn’t crush each other. You can use a large container or a bowl for this.

bowl filled with blueberries on paper towel. - 6

Store in the coldest part of the fridge: Place the blueberries in the coldest section of your refrigerator, typically the crisper drawer or the back of the fridge.

plastic container filled with paper towel and blueberries on top. - 7

Enjoy these fresh blueberries for 2-3 weeks! I hope you liked this food saving tip. Hope’s more that you might like:

How to Store Lettuce to Last for a Month How to Store and Freeze Strawberries How to Store Cilantro To Make It Last For Weeks The Best Ways To Store Bananas

Can I freeze blueberries?

You sure can! If you have a surplus of blueberries and want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them for long-term storage.

  1. Spread the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
blueberries on pink baking sheet. - 8
  1. Freeze them until they are firm.
frozen blueberries on baking sheet. - 9
  1. Once frozen, transfer the berries to a sealed container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Frozen blueberries can last for several months and taste great in smoothies !
frozen blueberries in plastic bag. - 10

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Step-by-step instructions on how to store blueberries, keeping them fresh and sweet for weeks! The secret is a paper towel! Sort and remove damaged berries, refrigerate in a dry container, and wash just before enjoying. Also includes directions on how to freeze blueberries. - 11
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Ingredients

  • ▢ blueberries

Instructions

  • DO NOT WASH THE BLUEBERRIES. Inspect the blueberries and remove any soft, mushy, or moldy berries.
  • Line a breathable container, such as the box or package the berries came in, or a large plastic container with a paper towel on the bottom. Place the blueberries on top of the paper towel and close the lid.
  • Place the blueberries in the coldest section of your refrigerator, typically the crisper drawer or the back of the fridge. Inspect the blueberries periodically during storage and remove any spoiled ones. Enjoy these fresh blueberries for 2-3 weeks! Wash blueberries before eating.

How to freeze for long-term storage:

  • Spread the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Place in freezer and freeze until they are firm.
  • Once frozen, transfer the berries to a sealed container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Frozen blueberries can last for several months.
How to Store and Freeze Fresh Blueberries - 12

How to Store and Freeze Fresh Blueberries

Ingredients

  • blueberries

Instructions

  • DO NOT WASH THE BLUEBERRIES. Inspect the blueberries and remove any soft, mushy, or moldy berries.
  • Line a breathable container, such as the box or package the berries came in, or a large plastic container with a paper towel on the bottom. Place the blueberries on top of the paper towel and close the lid.
  • Place the blueberries in the coldest section of your refrigerator, typically the crisper drawer or the back of the fridge. Inspect the blueberries periodically during storage and remove any spoiled ones. Enjoy these fresh blueberries for 2-3 weeks! Wash blueberries before eating.

How to freeze for long-term storage:

  • Spread the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Place in freezer and freeze until they are firm.
  • Once frozen, transfer the berries to a sealed container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Frozen blueberries can last for several months.

Recipe Created by Pamela Reed for brooklynfarmgirl.com