How to clean and store blueberries in refrigerator and freezer

How to Clean and Store Blueberries in the Refrigerator and Freezer

Fresh Blueberries are one of my favorite summer fruits, they are sweet and full of nutrients and I use them in smoothies, on top of oatmeal or pop them in my mouth frozen for a sweet, heart-healthy snack.

How to clean and store blueberries in refrigerator and freezer

With only a week or two left in blueberry season, I stocked up on fresh blueberries from the local farmer’s market so I can enjoy these little bits of goodness all winter. I thought it would be helpful to share how I clean and store blueberries so I created step by step instructions on how to clean and store in both the refrigerator and freezer.

Provided at the bottom of this post, are quick tips on how to incorporate more blueberries into your food. I eat them as a snack and use them in so many easy recipes.

Here are step by step instructions on how to clean and store blueberries:

How to clean Blueberries:

Wait to wash berries until you are ready to eat them.

  1. Put blueberries into a strainer and check for any stems. Most stems should have fallen off on their own.
  2. Turn on cold water and gently rinse blueberries in strainer.
  3. Let the strainer sit under water while you check for any more stems, bugs, etc.
  4. Lay the blueberries in a single layer on paper towels and gently pat the blueberries dry with a paper towel being careful not to squish the blueberries. I allow my blueberries to sit out and air dry, as well.

How to store Blueberries:

  1. Make sure you first check for any moldy or squished blueberries and discard of them. Mold is typically found closer to the stem. By discarding of rotten blueberries you will prevent mold from spreading.
  2. Make sure the blueberries are completely dry to prevent them from molding.

Store Blueberries in Refrigerator:

  1. You can use the original plastic basket the berries came in or anything that has slits in it to allow for adequate ventilation.
  2. *TIP* Line your container with paper towel to soak up any remaining moisture.
  3. Store blueberries towards the bottom of the refrigerator on the second or bottom shelf. Avoid storing on top shelf of refrigerator where it’s the coldest.
  4. Blueberries will last up to a week when stored in the refrigerator.

Store Blueberries in Freezer:

  1. First, freeze the blueberries individually by spreading the berries in a single layer across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. *TIP* Avoid using metal when possible as blueberries can react with the metal leading to discoloration.
  3. Place the baking sheet covered with blueberries in the freezer for roughly 3 hours or until completely frozen.
  4. Once frozen, scoop blueberries in a freezer safe ziplock bag. Make sure the bag is closed completely and put in freezer.
  5. The berries will be good for up to one year

*TIPS*

  1. Use the original plastic basket the berries came in to allow for adequate ventilation.
  2. Line your storage container with paper towel to soak up any remaining moisture.
  3. Avoid using metal when possible as blueberries can react with the metal leading to discoloration.

Quick TIPS on how to incorporate more blueberries into your food:

  1. Use fresh or frozen blueberries to whip up a quick and easy smoothie. Click here for my Blueberry Coconut Vanilla Smoothie made with Blissful Blueberry BNUTTY Peanut Butter. 
  2. Include blueberries in your breakfast or snack by topping yogurt, pancakes, granola, oatmeal, or cereal.
  3. Bake them into muffins and breads.
  4. Mix blueberries with your salad.
  5. Pop them in your mouth frozen for a sweet, heart-healthy snack.

Try these quick and healthy recipes:

Blueberry Coconut Vanilla Smoothie

Yogurt and Berry Parfait 

No Bake Berry Energy Bites

Berry, Nut, and Chocolate Quinoa Energy Bars

Blueberry Coconut Vanilla Smoothie made with Blissful Blueberry BNUTTY Peanut Butter

BLUEBERRY COCONUT VANILLA SMOOTHIE MADE WITH BLISSFUL BLUEBERRY BNUTTY PEANUT BUTTER

Please comment below and share with me how you incorporate berries into your recipes! I love your feedback!!

Thank you for following along! Xoxo, Becca @ The Well Dressed Kitchen