When you wake up excited to dive into a pint of fresh blueberries for breakfast, it can feel devastating to find they’ve gone mushy, moldy, or just plain bad. The good news is that there are some tried and true ways to prevent your precious blueberries from fading fast, and some tricks to make them last even longer. 

Generally, moisture is the culprit behind a blueberry’s early demise. Moisture is a great trait for a cake but bad for a berry. Extra moisture speeds up the decaying process, leaving in its wake mush and mold. And while dryness may help preserve them, there are ways to keep blueberries fresh beyond keeping them dry. Here’s what you need to know.

The best way to store fresh blueberries

The first thing you should do when you bring blueberries home from the grocery store, market, or farm is give them a good once-over. Pick out any berries that look mushy or moldy before you store them to help keep out unintended moisture, and prevent your berries from self-sabotage. 

After you’ve inspected them, you’ll want to store your blueberries in the refrigerator. Andrew McGregor, Senior Director of Produce at Misfits Market explains: “Blueberries and other berries like to be kept cold, once harvested, meaning as close to (but not below) 32 degrees Fahrenheit, if possible. The higher the temperature, the faster the fruit’s respiration rate and therefore the rate of maturation and eventual decay.” 

The rest of your storage decisions — including the container you use and whether you wash them right away or just before use — depend on what you’re doing with your blueberries and how often you’re in and out of your fridge.

If you plan on eating your pint of blueberries gradually — whether that’s snacking on them when the craving calls or throwing a handful in your morning oatmeal — you’ll want to wash them right when you get home. That way, your berries will be ready to eat right when you are. Rinse the berries according to the instructions below, then lay them out on some paper towels on a sheet tray and pat them dry. Like, really dry. Remember, moisture is the real enemy here. 

If you’re planning on using your berries in a pie or for some other recipe, it’s best to wait to wash them until right before you use them, not when you first bring them home. That way, you're not introducing extra moisture earlier than necessary. 

Should you keep them in the plastic clamshell they came in or move them to an airtight container?  There’s some nuance here, so you’ll want to consider how often you’re in and out of your fridge. Although refrigerators are generally thought of as dry environments, the more you open and close your fridge, the more moisture you’re likely trapping inside. 

If your fridge is a high-traffic zone, it’s probably best to transfer your berries to an airtight container lined with a paper towel. If your fridge is open just a few times a day,  it’s fine to leave the berries in their original container. That said,  it’s still a good idea to line the container with a paper towel first to absorb any excess moisture. 

How long do blueberries last in the fridge?

Blueberries, along with strawberries, are sturdier than soft berries such as blackberries and raspberries. Whereas softer berries have a shelf life of only a couple of days once home from the market, blueberries should last anywhere from five days to a week in the fridge. 

Whatever you do, just make sure to keep them out of the crisper drawer. The crisper drawer is generally more humid than the rest of the fridge, so while it’s great for leafy greens and other veggies, keeping blueberries in there is a fast track to Mushville. When organizing your fridge, the best spot for blueberries is likely the middle rack toward the front — not too cold, but cold enough to keep the berries fresh. 

What’s the best way to wash blueberries?

If moisture is the number one culprit for begetting bad berries, bacteria is culprit number two. Blueberries are part of the dirty dozen, meaning they’re one of the twelve pieces of produce most likely to contain pesticides. Rinsing your berries in a solution of one cup of white vinegar and three cups of water, and then rinsing them off in another bowl of cold water (to avoid a vinegary taste left on the skin) will help ensure no bacteria or chemical residue lingers. 

Just make sure to dry those berries thoroughly after you rinse them. This method of cleaning is best for berries you want to graze on, so it’s good to do it immediately after you bring them home before you put them in the fridge. 

Another option is to fill a large bowl with water and a colander with blueberries. Then, slowly lower the colander into the bowl and gently wash the berries that way. You should avoid rinsing them under running water at all costs because the blueberry’s delicate skin can be damaged by the running water or by knocking them around too much. 

Can you freeze blueberries?

Freezing blueberries is a great way to enjoy the bounty of blueberry season all year long. Plus, frozen blueberries can be used interchangeably with fresh blueberries in most use cases, and they retain their nutritional value when frozen. Eating blueberries frozen on their own is nice, and they’re also exceptional when tossed in a smoothie and used for baking. Because the skin becomes delicate when freezing, they are more tender and may release more juice, which is why some baked goods may have a purplish hue. Nothing wrong with a little color in your muffin. 

To freeze blueberries, after you rise and dry them, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for two to 24 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag to use whenever you’d like. This step ensures they won’t clump together when freezing and makes it easier to use them when you’re ready. 

According to the FDA, frozen berries are good indefinitely, but they’ll start to lose freshness within eight to 12 months, so try and use them within that time. 

Recycling your uneaten blueberries with Mill

If you missed the opportunity to enjoy your blueberries, you can make sure they’re not a total waste by using a food recycler, like Mill. Mill will make sure your blueberries have a second life in the garden — maybe even helping new berries grow to be healthy and delicious.

FAQs about storing blueberries 

Do blueberries last longer in the fridge or on the counter? 

Blueberries will last longer in the fridge than on the counter. Whereas blueberries left on the counter will stay good for about two days, blueberries will last up to a week in the fridge. 

Does rinsing blueberries remove pesticides? 

Yes. While no method will be 100% effective, rinsing blueberries will clean blueberries and remove pesticide residue that may be present on the skin. Adding vinegar to the mix will help remove any lingering bacteria.

Does washing blueberries with vinegar make them last longer? 

Yes, it can. Washing blueberries in one cup of vinegar and three cups of water can kill bacteria living on the skin of blueberries and help prevent moldy berries, meaning they’ll stay fresher longer. 

Sources:

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture: “How long can you store fruits and vegetables?” May 24, 2023. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fruits-and-vegetables

2. CNN: “Blueberries, strawberries again on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list.” March 20, 2024. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/19/health/dirty-dozen-produce-pesticides-2024-wellness/

3. America’s Test Kitchen: “My Berries Are Going Bad. Now What?” August 10, 2023. https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/7447-how-to-use-up-berries-going-bad

4. University of Minnesota Extension: “How to safely freeze fruit for the best quality.” 2023. https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/how-freeze-fruit-best-flavor

5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: “Are You Storing Food Safely?” January 18, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely