Blueberry season kicks off in May, and increasing numbers of shoppers will be picking up these plump, juicy berries for healthy breakfasts, al fresco picnics, or homemade puddings. Prices tend to drop at this time of year, but you’ll be throwing good money away if your berries turn mouldy within a day.
It may sound surprising, but blueberries are actually more prone to spoiling when left in their original supermarket packaging, as the plastic encourages condensation to form. Berries have a high water content, which gradually evaporates during storage. When this moisture-laden air meets a cold surface, it produces condensation — tiny water droplets that can rapidly accelerate mould growth.
View 4 ImagesBlueberries are more likely to become mouldy when stored in a plastic container from the supermarket(Image: Getty)
Fortunately, Lisa Childs, a cookbook author and founder of Tried, Tested, and True, has revealed a brilliantly simple method for keeping blueberries fresher for longer, and all you need is some kitchen roll.
Lisa said: “Because the original berry containers are vented, berries stored in them will not last quite as long. To make your berries stay fresh longer, store berries in a large, shallow [containers] with an airtight lid, lined with paper towels.”
Blueberries are typically sold in plastic punnets riddled with ventilation holes, which helps maintain their freshness during transit by allowing air to circulate freely and preventing moisture from building up.
Nevertheless, fridges are extremely humid environments, and blueberries that remain stationary tend to accumulate moisture inside their container, which will ultimately lead to mould forming.
View 4 ImagesStoring blueberries with a paper towel will stop condensation from forming in the container(Image: Getty)
Paper towels are the most effective item to store alongside blueberries, as they absorb any condensation that builds up inside the container, helping to keep the berries dry.
It also helps to keep blueberries in an airtight food container, glass mason jars or even takeaway food tubs, as this prevents them from piling on top of one another, which similarly wards off excess moisture.
First things first — make sure you’re selecting the finest blueberries at the supermarket. Reach for those at the very back of the shelf and steer clear of any that appear dark or shrivelled.
Once you’re back home, give them a thorough rinse under the tap to remove any bacteria, then lay them out on a generous pile of paper towels.
View 4 ImagesMake sure to wash blueberries to get rid of any bacteria on the berries(Image: Getty)
Place additional paper towels inside an airtight food container before adding your blueberries.
After that, simply pop your blueberries in the fridge. Ensure they are completely dry beforehand, as any lingering moisture will encourage mould and spoilage.
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Your blueberries should remain fresh for at least a week longer than usual, though some people have discovered that this storage hack can extend their shelf life by as much as three weeks in some cases.