Not eating or using all your blueberries right away? There are multiple ways to safely store blueberries so when you’re ready for them, they’re ready for you!
Keep your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator to help them live their longest, freshest life. Right after the grocery delivery, trip to the store or visit to the u-pick farm, pop them in the fridge—no need to wash yet. You can keep them in the original plastic clamshell or in a covered bowl or container.
Only rinse fresh blueberries right before you plan to eat them. This keeps the moisture off them, and helps them stay snackable longer.
Freezer and fridge full of blueberries? Here’s a delicious idea: make your own blueberry jam, preserves or compote. You can enjoy right away or follow the instructions of your favorite recipe for where and how long to store your homemade treats. As a start, check out our Homemade Blueberry Jam recipe, and explore lots of other sweet and savory options, too.
Freezing blueberries is a simple way to make sure you always have a boost of blue on hand for snacking, cooking or baking. If your blueberries came in a plastic clamshell container, you can pop them right in the freezer. Otherwise, use freezer containers or resealable plastic bags.
If you do rinse before freezing, be sure to dry them well with a paper towel. Use your frozen blueberries within 10 months for best results!
Canning your own blueberries is so rewarding. Done right, you get a pantry stocked with delicious blueberries. You can use raw blueberries (packed tightly into jars), heated blueberries (loosely packed), cooking liquid (water, sugar, syrup or juice), and a water canner or a pressure canner.
Whatever method you choose, it’s extremely important to keep all of your materials clean and to carefully follow all regulated steps for safe canning to avoid harmful bacteria. Consult trusted experts, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for specific guidance.
Got a less-than-fresh batch of blueberries forgotten in the back of your fridge? (Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.) Before you throw them away, consider these ideas to get the best out of those wrinkly or soft blueberries that you’d rather not eat fresh.
Just make sure they are free from spoilage – those should go in the garbage or compost bin.
Tell us what ingredients you have on hand, and we’ll tell you what you can whip up with blueberries.
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