While it’s not blueberry season yet in the UK, you can already prepare your kitchen for ways to store the super fruit. Blueberry season typically runs from mid-July to September in the UK, and so, it is just a matter of a few more months before you can enjoy a fresh batch of the blue treat. Packed in antioxidants and other great nutrients, blueberries are not only delicious, but incredibly healthy.

With their desirable taste and convenient size, the little fruits are also a versatile snack. UK-grown blueberries can be quite expensive, especially compared to imported varieties.

But although blueberries are a great summer snack, they can also be a challenge to keep fresh — and you likely know the frustration of buying a punnet of blueberries only to see them go mouldy within a day or two.

However, there are things you can do to store them for optimum freshness. Moreover, the way you store blueberries play a crucial role in their preservation — and some techniques claim to keep them fresh and mould-free for up to 10 days.

How to store fresh blueberries to keep them fresh and mould-free

After pre-washing your fruits, dry them thoroughly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven to 10 days. Southern Living suggests placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container before placing in the berries to help soak up any excess moisture.

The website further explains: “If you won't be using the blueberries for a while, you should wait to rinse until you're ready to use. This can help delay spoilage by not introducing additional moisture to the batch.

“If you're storing your berries unwashed, leave them in their original container or an airtight container lined with a paper towel to keep them fresh.”

How to prep and wash blueberries

Even if they look clean, blueberries can harbour dirt, bugs, and bacteria. While rinsing them in water might not eliminate all unwanted dirt and guests, it can significantly reduce them.

Nevertheless, there are some preparation and washing techniques that can be more effective in getting rid of dirt, bacteria and pesticides. Southern Living recommends picking through the berries to make sure they're all ‘at their best’.

The publication states: “Pour the berries onto a plate or tray, and carefully remove any that are shriveled, mouldy or mushy, along with any stems or leaves. Once your berries have been thoroughly picked through, you can move on to rinsing them.”

To wash, proceed by popping the blueberries in a colander or large strainer that will allow water to run through. Then, rinse the blueberries with cold water for about 15 to 30 seconds, gently moving or tossing them occasionally.

You can also do a more complete wash with a vinegar or baking soda solution. For the vinegar solution, mix one part distilled vinegar with three parts cold water in a large bowl.

Continue by adding blueberries and let them soak in the solution for about a minute. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water. For the baking soda solution, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of cold water in a large bowl.

After this, add the berries and let soak for about a minute. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.

Again, to avoid mould pour the blueberries onto paper towels or a clean cloth and pat dry. Southern Living recommends setting the fruits aside to air dry and making sure they are completely dry before storing.