Households are being urged to remove blueberries from plastic containers and store them in glass jars to keep them fresh longer. Blueberries have a tendency to spoil quickly when kept in plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mould growth, according to food storage expert Val Riley, founder of Lovely Lucky Life.
Why Plastic Containers Cause Spoilage
Supermarkets typically package blueberries in plastic because the material is lightweight and easy to stack, but this is far from ideal for consumers. Plastic containers trap substantial amounts of moisture, creating ideal conditions for mould to flourish. Despite being vulnerable to water, blueberries themselves have a high water content, and when stored in the fridge, moisture gets trapped by the packaging.
Val Riley said: "The berries truly stay fresh for longer - they don't mush or mould nearly as quickly as they do in the plastic."
The Glass Jar Solution
Glass jars are substantially less prone to retaining moisture than plastic, and leaving their lids slightly ajar allows humidity to escape freely, reports the Express. Blueberries naturally release water during storage, and placing them in a glass container promotes better air circulation, allowing excess moisture to evaporate more rapidly.
It also helps to store blueberries on kitchen roll, which absorbs surplus moisture and keeps the fruit fresher for as long as possible. Blueberries can harbour bacteria acquired during handling in transit, meaning they often arrive already carrying mould spores within their packaging. They should always be rinsed before being placed in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Storage Guide
Storing blueberries properly takes fewer than five minutes and can save money by reducing food waste. Here is how to keep blueberries fresher for longer:
- Place the blueberries in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any bacteria or debris.
- Spread the blueberries across a plate lined with kitchen roll and gently pat them dry. Ensure they are completely dry before storing, as any remaining moisture will promote mould growth.
- Inspect the blueberries carefully, discarding any that appear soft, damaged or mouldy, as these will accelerate spoilage in the remaining fruit.
- Transfer the blueberries into a clean glass jar, then lay a single sheet of kitchen roll on top to soak up any excess moisture. Fasten the lid loosely and pop them straight into the fridge.
Extended Shelf Life and Reduced Waste
This approach not only frees up valuable space in the refrigerator but also significantly reduces food waste, enabling blueberries to last for up to a week or two beyond their usual shelf life. Val Riley added: "By putting the fruits and veggies in sealed jars straight into the fridge. They last about twice as long as they would in the plastic, BUT they won't last that long... because you'll eat them before they have a chance to spoil."
