Blueberries are one of the fruits scientists call a “superfood.” They’re rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins, and are believed to benefit our health. Here’s how to store blueberries, including refrigeration and freezing. Frozen blueberries can last up to six months!

How to Refrigerate Blueberries

Blueberries refrigerated according to the steps below will keep for about one week.

• Step 1: Empty the entire box of blueberries onto a plate and remove any rotten or stale berries.
• Step 2: Place a paper towel on the bottom of the original box. Place the blueberries back into the box, wrap the entire box with the paper towel, and then close the box lid.

• Step 3: Refrigerate the blueberries in the fruit and vegetable compartment and rinse them when ready to eat.

※It is recommended to store the blueberries in their original box. However, if a box is unavailable, you can use another container with a lid.

How to Freeze Blueberries

Blueberries frozen according to the steps below will keep for about six months.

• Step 1: Empty the entire box of blueberries onto a plate, removing any rotten or stale berries.
• Step 2: Rinse the blueberries thoroughly.
• Step 3: Gently pat dry the blueberries with paper towels.
• Step 4: Portion the blueberries into small, freezer-safe ziplock bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags, seal the bags, and store in the refrigerator.

※Controlling temperature fluctuations is key to long-term blueberry storage. Therefore, it’s recommended to use smaller, freezer-safe bags for each portion, rather than placing all blueberries in the same large bag. This will prevent the blueberries from being affected by temperature fluctuations each time they are taken out of the freezer and returned to the freezer.

Thawing:

If you’re preparing blueberries for cooking or using them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, there’s no need to thaw them. If you’re eating them straight away, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to completely thaw them.