When removing potential pesticide residue from blueberries, aim to prevent smashing and bruising in the process. Timing is also important. We tapped experts in New Jersey, a state that grows some of the most renowned blueberries in the country, for their best tips. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why You Need to Wash Blueberries
Unlike bananas or citrus fruit, blueberries don’t have a peel to protect them. They are fully exposed to the hazards of growing, harvesting, shipping, and storing. “We recommend the washing of berries to remove any debris, soil, bacteria, or residues that may be on the surface from the growing, harvesting, and handling activities involved with getting this fruit from the farm to your table,” says Meredith Melendez, an Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent and an assistant professor at Rutgers. Melendez says that whether blueberries are organic, conventional, hydroponic, from the market, or from a neighbor, they should always be washed the same way.
When to Wash Blueberries
Blueberries (and other produce) should not be washed as soon as they’re brought home. Rather, they should be washed shortly before they’re eaten. When you bring home your blueberries, inspect them and discard any that show mold or decay (composted, ideally). Why? “To prevent the spread of decay onto adjacent berries,” Melendez explains. Then store them in the fridge (more on this later) if you don’t intend to eat them. “We recommend washing produce just prior to consumption,” Melendez says. “Washing produce and then putting it in the fridge can shorten shelf life due to increased moisture levels.“Waiting keeps berries fresher!
How to Wash Blueberries
How to Store Blueberries After Washing
After washing and drying your blueberries, store them in a breathable container in the very coldest part of your fridge (usually the very top or very bottom). This placement is best for storing berries before washing as well. “Berries will have the longest shelf life if they are stored in a refrigerator that has a temperature of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit,” Melendez says. “At this temperature, berries can be expected to hold their quality for about two weeks from harvest.”
Should You Ever Wash Blueberries with Vinegar or Salt?
Some food experts recommend washing blueberries in diluted vinegar or salt to kill off mold and bacteria and prolong their shelf life. But is this step necessary? That’s up to you. According to the CDC, kitchen vinegar and lemon juice may be used, but government experts “are not aware of studies that show vinegar or lemon juice are any better than plain running water.”
