How to Store Blueberries So They Stay Fresh and Juicy

After buying a carton of blueberries, it can be tempting to pop it in the refrigerator and not give the fruit another thought until you need it. Technically, this method can work—but there are other ways to make your blueberries last even longer. These fruits are relatively delicate, after all, and they benefit from special care and handling. Ahead, we spoke to experts about how to store blueberries in the refrigerator to keep them in tip-top condition. Also, how to freeze blueberries and tips for making your berries last as long as possible.

Should Blueberries Be Refrigerated?

Is it better to store blueberries in the refrigerator rather than on the counter? Short answer: yes! Blueberries spoil quickly, so they shouldn't be kept at room temperature, says Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health. At room temperature, they will only last one or two days before they start to go bad, says Raymond Ortiz, executive chef at Forbici Modern Italian in Tampa, Fla.

How to Store Blueberries in the Fridge

The best way to store blueberries in the refrigerator is to place them there as soon as you get home from the grocery store, says Lyon.

Follow these steps to store blueberries:

1. Pick over the berries and remove and discard any moldy, soft, or leaking blueberries.
2. Line an airtight container with a dry paper towel.
3. Place the unwashed blueberries in the container in a single layer. This will prevent the berries from becoming overcrowded, which can spread mold, says Lyon.
4. Store the container in the refrigerator.
   

Shelf Life

When stored properly, blueberries can last between 10 to 14 days according to the experts at Purdue University.

How to Store Blueberries in the Freezer

To keep blueberries for a longer time, store them in the freezer. Follow these steps as provided by Washington State University. Note that while blueberries should not be washed before storing in the refrigerator, they should be washed and dried well before freezing. Drying the berries is important as it will prevent them from clumping.

1. Remove any damaged blueberries.
2. Wash the blueberries in a colander, then shake to drain the excess water.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the blueberries on the sheet in a single layer.
4. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for one to two hours or until the berries are frozen solid.
5. Transfer the frozen blueberries to freezer-safe containers or silicone bags.

Shelf Life

Frozen berries will last a long time but their texture and flavor suffer eventually with prolonged freezing. For the best quality, use frozen blueberries within eight months, says Ortiz.  

Tips for Making Blueberries Last Longer

Wash Your Hands First: Always wash your hands with warm water and soap before handling blueberries. This will prevent germs from spreading from your hands to the berries, speeding up spoilage and increasing the risk of foodborne illness. To make sure your hands are clean, wash them for 20 seconds, as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Use Clean Containers: If your storage containers are unclean, even the cleanest blueberries can become contaminated. Wash your containers with warm water and soap to ensure they're clean.

Set Your Refrigerator to the Right Temperature: If your refrigerator is too warm, blueberries (as well as other food) will spoil faster. Ensure it's set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Avoid Washing Blueberries Before Storing in the Refrigerator: "Washing blueberries before storing them can introduce moisture, creating an environment for mold, bacteria, and rot," says Ortiz. Only wash the blueberries you plan on eating before you eat them.

Skip the Crisper Drawer: Store blueberries in the main part of the fridge, such as the middle or upper shelf, says Ortiz. Avoid storing them in the crisper drawer, as this can limit air circulation, which is important to keeping blueberries fresh.

Keep Away From Raw Meat: To avoid cross-contamination, store fresh foods like blueberries away from raw meat. Keep raw meat on the bottom shelf; this will prevent leakage from contaminating other foods.

Signs of Spoiled Blueberries

Even with proper storage, fresh blueberries will eventually go bad. Signs of spoiled blueberries include softness, mushiness, and visible mold, says Lyon. If you notice any of these features, it's time to toss the berries.