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How to Properly Clean and Wash Blueberries

Rinsing blueberries.

The question of whether or not to wash the fruits you just bought is a common one. When it comes to fresh fruit, though, the answer is nearly always yes. Sure, occasionally, you come across a fruit like a banana with a thick peel that protects it from dirt and pesticides. Even yet, the most common response is to wash. Washing (and preserving) certain little fragile fruit, such as bursting-ripe blueberries, becomes a bit more complicated.

When it comes to eliminating any pesticide remnants from blueberries, the goal is to avoid smashing and damaging the fruit. For the freshest and best flavor, timing is equally crucial. Here is everything you need to know about

The Best Way to Pick Blueberries

Examine the contents of a container before adding it to your shopping basket. On the berries, look for mold, extremely soft areas, and discoloration. Blueberries that have shrunk and are soft are prone to spoil within a day of purchase. Shop for seasonal food at the farmers’ market to guarantee optimum freshness; farmers typically harvest fruit for sale the morning of or the day before the market, ensuring genuine farm fresh fruits with longer life.

How to Keep Blueberries Fresh?

It’s acceptable to leave the berries covered on a tabletop if you expect to consume or use them within a day or two of purchase. Otherwise, the easiest method to keep blueberries from going bad is to keep them in the refrigerator. Pro tip: Keep berries near the front of the fridge, so you don’t forget about them.

How to Properly Clean and Wash Blueberries

The majority of berries need not be cleaned before usage. Excess water can cause delicate fruits like blueberries to deteriorate prematurely. It’s not a good idea to hold a bag of berries under flowing water: The water pressure can crush berries, especially if they’re piled on top of one other in a Tupperware box. Furthermore, extra water droplets will stay in the packaging after washing, causing the berries to get mushy. Fill a big bowl halfway with cold water, then carefully lay the fruits in a strainer and submerge them in the water. As a consequence, the berries’ flesh is protected by an even wash. After that, place the berries in the refrigerator in an airtight container that is lined with paper towels; select a bigger box so the berries may lay flat in one layer.

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While washing blueberries in water is an excellent way to remove visible grime and dirt, there is another method that can provide a more thorough clean. Because berries are near the soil and have sponge-like, porous flesh, dirt that becomes trapped may go unnoticed after a brief rinsing. Dip berries in a 3:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water to ensure they are completely clean. This not only completely cleans the berries, but also increases their shelf life. Avoid soaking the fruit for too long in the mixture since the vinegar taste will permeate into the berries. Dry gently yet completely on paper towels.

What Is the Expected Shelf Life of Berries?

Blueberries will keep five to seven days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

Is it Possible to Freeze Berries?

Smoothies and juices benefit greatly from having frozen berries on hand. They’re safe to consume and can last months in the refrigerator rather than just a few days. After washing, wipe them dry gently with paper towels till all extra water has been absorbed. To avoid clumping, place the berries in a zip lock bag and spread them out in one layer.

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