How to Clean Blueberries Properly at Home

Blueberries are among North America’s most popular fresh fruits, thanks to their sweet-tart flavor. Here are a few tips to get the best blueberries at the grocery store or farmers’ market:

1. 1. Buy in-season. For the freshest blueberries, buy them during the harvesting season in your area. The North American blueberry season (including harvest) runs anywhere from April to late September, depending on the region.
2. 2. Check for shriveled berries. Fresh berries should be firm and plump—if you see any blueberries in the container that are shriveled, mushy, or moldy, the package will likely go rancid in a matter of days. If you notice these imperfections after you get home, simply compost the affected blueberries and repack the fresh ones.
3. 3. Check for discoloration. The best blueberries are deep purple or black; reddish berries aren’t fully ripe and may taste bitter. Bloom, the powdery white coating on the outside of the fruit, is benign and not a cause for concern. The coating is a natural defense that blueberries and grapes use to protect their tender skin from damage.

Here’s how to properly wash blueberries or other berries like raspberries or blackberries. Since excess moisture can cause mold growth, wait to wash blueberries until you plan to eat them. Here’s how to clean the berries:

1. 1. Place in a colander. Place fresh blueberries in a large colander, strainer, or salad spinner.
2. 2. Rinse with cool water. Gently wash the berries by setting the faucet on a cool, low temperature and running water over them. Shake the colander or swish the water with your hand to remove residual dirt or pesticide residue. You can also fill a large bowl with cold water and dip the colander of blueberries into the water bath to prevent damaging the berries’ tender skin with running water.
3. 3. Dip in white vinegar. After the quick rinse, to further extend the freshness of your blueberries, mix three parts water with one part white vinegar and briefly dip the berries in the mixture. The vinegar solution further removes dirt and debris from the porous skin. Avoid soaking the berries in the vinegar mixture, as they can absorb the vinegar flavor and become sour.
4. 4. Air-dry or pat with paper towels. Line a rimmed baking sheet or tray with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Gently pour the blueberries onto the baking sheet in a single layer and allow them to air-dry. Air-drying the blueberries extends their shelf life by preventing excess moisture from getting trapped between the blueberries, which can cause rot.
5. 5. Store properly. Store berries at room temperature if you plan to eat them soon, or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze blueberries for up to ten months.

Fresh blueberries will last up to a week in the refrigerator or up to ten months in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can add frozen blueberries directly to smoothies and baked goods or thaw them on a paper towel–lined plate in the refrigerator.

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