Blueberries are the type of fruit people instinctively store in the fridge without a second thought. While this is a common practice, this alone will not keep the berries fresh for as long as possible. Food enthusiast Danielle Walker, who’s behind the blog Against All Grain, has shared a simple five-minute routine that can keep your blueberries fresh for longer.
She 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 explained how “simple” the hack is. Just give them a quick bath in a vinegar and water solution the moment you get them home, dry them, and place them in a clean container lined with paper towels.
She said: “The vinegar helps to kill any mould that could cause them to spoil, and this method can make them last as long in our house.”
To extend the freshness of your blueberries, start by picking out any soggy or already spoiled berries as they will cause the others to spoil more quickly.
After, fill a large bowl with three cups of water mixed with two tablespoons of vinegar. Since you’ll be rinsing them well, Danielle noted that she sometimes uses organic white distilled vinegar as it’s more affordable and not quite as strong of a flavour, but apple cider vinegar will work too.
Place the berries into the water and let them soak for five to 10 minutes. Gently stir the berries around every couple of minutes.
Drain them using a colander and rinse well under running water. Place the berries in a salad spinner lined with a few layers of paper towels. Spin until the berries are completely dry.
Alternatively, place a clean dish towel on the counter and pour the berries out onto it. Blot them gently to dry up excess water.
After, store the blueberries in a paper towel-lined sealable container, with layers of paper towels between each layer of berries. Keep the lid slightly open to allow excess moisture to escape. Place in the refrigerator to store.
The post received a number of responses from fans sharing their thoughts on the hack. One wrote: “I have been using your method for a couple of years now, and seriously, it is the best!
“My berries last up to nine weeks (if we don’t eat them before). Thank you, Danielle, for the content you provide and your gift of wellness through food.”
Another commented: “Thank you so much, Danielle. I bought a bunch of blueberries since they were on sale, very hard to come by. After a couple of days, I noticed a little bit of mould on one of the berries. So I started googling and thankfully found ur post. Miracle worker.”
A third said: “I do this with all my fresh produce now. I find it lengthens the life of all fruit and veggies. I haven’t tried it with lettuce or cabbage, but with onions, potatoes, etc.”
