Many instinctively put blueberries in the fridge, but freezing them doesn't extend their shelf life. Foodie Danielle Walker of Against All Grain shared a five-minute tip to keep blueberries fresher.
The San Francisco chef said: "I have been using this tip for years in order to buy in bulk and save money, and have berries on hand for my boys to snack on at all times since they are their favourite."
Danielle described her "simple" method: Once home, rinse the berries in a vinegar-water mix, pat them dry, and store them in a clean, paper towel-lined container.
Mushy or rotting blueberries can speed up spoiling, so remove them first.
Mix three cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar in a big bowl. Because it's cheaper and less aromatic, Danielle occasionally uses organic white distilled vinegar, although apple cider vinegar works too.
Let the blueberries soak in the solution for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blueberries should be drained in a colander and rinsed under tap water. Put the berries in a salad spinner with several layers of paper towels to dry them completely.
Instead of a salad spinner, place blueberries on a clean kitchen towel on your countertop and gently pat them with another towel to absorb the moisture. Store dried blueberries in a paper towel-lined sealable container.
Place paper towels between berry layers. Leave the lid open and refrigerate to prevent moisture buildup.
Social media users shared their food-preserving experiences. Someone said, "I have been using your method for a couple of years now, and seriously, it is the best!"