This post is about how long do blueberries last, how you can store them, and how to tell if blueberries have gone bad. So please read through the article and find all the answers relevant to your query. Blueberries can go bad just like any other fruit, but they have a bit of special characteristic that makes them last for a longer time.
Blueberry is full of nutrition and a good way to improve your health and ensure that your body is well supplied with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To reduce the chance of getting sick from eating bad food, here are some general guidelines for how long blueberries last.
How long do blueberries last?
| Blueberries | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Shelf | 1-2 Days |
| Fridge | 10 Days |
| Freezer | 6 Months |
If you are going to eat your blueberry in one or two days, then you can keep them on the shelf, and it’s safe as well. However, if you want to store them for later, then you can store them in the fridge for 10 days. Moreover, if you want to make them longer, then you have the option to freeze them. In the freezer, blueberry can last for 6 months.
How to tell if blueberries have gone bad?
Just like any other fruit, a blueberry can easily go bad when not stored properly. The sugar and water content in blueberries is what causes them to go bad so easily.
Here are some of the signs that your blueberry has gone bad:
Mold or fungus
If you notice any kind of mold or fungus growing on your fruit, then this also means that it has caused damage to the inside as well and thus is not safe to eat at all. If you notice any of these signs, just throw them away as they can cause serious health issues.
The white coating looks like mold, but it’s actually a natural chemical reaction due to high acidity and polyphenol oxidase enzymes ( tyrosinase ).
A change in color
If your blueberry starts having a uniform dark blue color instead of its original dark purple hue, you should immediately get rid of it because it also means that your fruit is not fresh anymore.
A sour smell
Sometimes when you open a pack of blueberries, they may have a slight smell which is actually good for the fruit, but if you start noticing strong odors, then this is also a sign that your blueberry has gone bad and is not safe to eat anymore.
So, these were the signs you need to look out for if you want to know if they went bad. As we have been told before, storage plays an important part in keeping your fruit fresh, so make sure to store it properly. If you do not know how to store them properly, read on.
How to store blueberries properly?
You can store your blueberry easily for a longer time, and the methods are also really easy. Let’s get started!
Method 1: Freezing
Preparation: Wash your blueberries thoroughly to get rid of any pesticide residue.
- Step 1: Spread a single layer of berries on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 3-4 hours until they are frozen solid.
- Step 2: Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag and put back in the freezer.
- Now you can store them for a longer time and eat them whenever you like.
Method 2: Wet washcloth
Preparation: Wash blueberries thoroughly with cold water and let them dry on a cloth or paper towel
- Step 1: Put blueberries in a bowl.
- Add enough water to cover them.
- Put them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Step 2: Drain the water out before storing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge.
- This is a really simple way to store your blueberries for a longer time without worrying that they will go bad quickly.
Method 3: Dry place (no moisture)
Preparation: Make sure your blueberries are completely dry before storing them
- Step 1: Put a single layer of berries on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 3-4 hours until they are frozen solid.
- Step 2: Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag and put back in the freezer.
- Now you can store them for a month or two and eat them whenever you like.
Method 4: Fridge in container
Preparation: Wash blueberries thoroughly with cold water and let them dry on a cloth or paper towel
- Step 1: Put blueberries in an airtight container or ziplock bag; make sure there is no air in the bag.
- Step 2: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer-term storage.
That’s really all you have to do when it comes to storing your blueberries that are not going bad quickly anymore and let you eat them whenever you like without worrying about mold, fungus, or sour smell.
Why is there white stuff on blueberry?
If you are wondering what that white stuff on blueberries is, then you should know that it is actually a natural chemical reaction due to high acidity and polyphenol oxidase enzymes (tyrosinase).
Why does this happen?
Blueberries contain acids such as malic and citric acids, which make the berries taste very good. These acids react with the enzymes polyphenol oxidase in the fruit, which causes the white substance or residue on your blueberry.
This coating is, also called bloom, forms on your blueberry, and it is a protective layer that protects it from bacteria. It has different flavors, textures, and aromas, which you will not find in other berries. It is also called epicuticular wax.
Don’t worry about this residue because it’s completely harmless, but if you want, you can reduce the amount of white stuff on your blueberries by following simple steps:
Preparation: Wash blueberries in cold water and drain them in a colander, then let them air-dry. Dry blueberries can be stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator, or you can freeze them.
Storage: Store your blueberries in cold storage such as refrigerators at 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid storing wet blueberries with other berries because the moisture will affect the quality of other fruits.
What are the best blueberries recipes?
Blueberries are not only delicious as fruit, but the blueberry deserts and meals are also very tasty. People usually make blueberry muffins with berries because there are many benefits of cooking this dessert over frying or baking. If you want to make a simple meal with your blueberries, I suggest you prepare a salad – it is delicious, healthy, and quick to make.
Health benefits of blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants which are very good for your health. If you want to keep your body healthy and fit, then you should eat more blueberries because they can improve your immune system, vision, heart health, and digestive system. Blueberry also helps people who have memory problems or even Alzheimer’s disease because it is rich in flavonoids which can help people who have this illness.
- The longer you keep the blueberries in a fridge, the more nutrients and antioxidants will be reduced
- Dry place or freezing is best for the storage of blueberries
- Don’t wash blueberries with water that’s too hot because it will damage their texture and make them mushy
- After washing the blueberries, let them dry on a cloth or paper towel. Place your fruit of choice in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer-term storage
- Blueberry is a good source of fiber which is very important for digestive system function
- Blueberry can also be turned into a healthy and tasty juice – 50% blueberries and 50% apple juice is recommended ratio for making juice
- Don’t store in areas that are very warm or damp because they can get moldy, soft, or go bad quickly
Summary
So, now you know all about blueberries and their storage. So don’t be afraid to purchase a packet of it that’s too good in price because you can store them and eat them whenever you like without worrying about their freshness or nutrients.
Also, the white stuff on blueberry is completely harmless, but if you want to reduce the amount of residue on your blueberries, follow the steps mentioned above. Keep in mind that the longer you keep them in a fridge, the more nutrients and antioxidants will get reduced. A dry place or freezing is best for the storage of blueberries.
Hope this article was informative! Enjoy eating your blueberries 🙂
References
- https://pantrytips.com/how-long-do-blueberries-last/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberry