Blueberry Basics
Tips on how to buy, store and handle your BC blueberries
How to Buy Fresh Blueberries
- Look for firm, plump, dry berries with smooth skins.
- The silvery sheen on blueberries is natural and helps protect the fruit.
- Avoid soft or shriveled fruit, or any signs of mould.
- Size is not an indicator of flavour or sweetness, but colour is! Reddish berries aren’t quite ripe and will taste tart—use them in baking and cooking.
How to Store Blueberries
- Refrigerate as soon as you get them home, in their original plastic pack or in a covered bowl or storage container. Only rinse your berries just before you’re going to use them. Use within 10 days of purchase.
- To freeze your blueberries, make sure they’re dry and keep them in their original plastic clamshell, or put them in resealable plastic bags or containers – no need to wash them prior to freezing. Just remember to rinse the berries before using them.
- Commercially frozen blueberries have been washed—use them directly from the bag.
- Refrigerate thawed blueberries and use within 3 days.
- Use any frozen blueberries within one year of purchase.
How to Enjoy Blueberries Every Day
- Stir fresh or frozen blueberries into maple syrup; warm in the microwave and serve on waffles, pancakes or desserts.
- Start with your favourite chicken salad and mix in fresh or dried blueberries.
- Scatter fresh or dried blueberries and toasted walnut pieces over dressed mixed greens.
- Place fresh or frozen blueberries in ice cube trays; cover with apple juice and freeze; add the frozen cubes to lemonade, iced tea or club soda.