Have the blueberries you bought been in the fridge for a worrying amount of time? How long is too long? How do you know if they’re bad?
Blueberries definitely do go bad. When they start to go bad, they will get very soft and dark. When they have a bad smell or start growing mold, it’s time to throw them out.
Even though they do go bad faster than some fruits, there are still ways to prolong the life of the berries. Freezing them can even help them last up to 12 months!
How can I tell if blueberries are bad?
There are a few different ways you can tell if blueberries have gone bad.
- Check for mold.
- Do not eat the blueberries if they have begun to mold.
- Check for discoloration.
- Bruises and darker colors are signs they’ve gone bad.
- Check the smell.
- When blueberries have gone bad, they will usually start to smell bad.
- Check for leaking.
- If there’s an excess amount of juices in the bowl or container, this is an indicator that they have gone bad.
How do I choose ripe blueberries?
When shopping for blueberries, choosing rip berries is important in ensuring they stay fresh for longer. If you purchase blueberries that are already going bad, they’re going to spoil at home very quickly.
Make sure you are purchasing berries that are a deep blue color and do not have discoloration. Check the container for any mold or mushy berries and avoid these.
Also, watch out for blueberries that are green or red. This means they are not ripe yet and will be very tart. A good blueberry will be round and healthy-looking.
Can I eat blueberries that have gone bad?
It is never a good idea to eat blueberries that have gone bad. This is especially true of moldy berries. Ingesting mold can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It can also cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
How long will blueberries last in the fridge?
Blueberries will last much longer if kept in the fridge. Since blueberries do not continue to ripen after they have been picked like some produce, they spoil very quickly. When refrigerated they can last about 5-14 days.
Always check for signs of mold before eating.
How can I make blueberries last longer?
There are ways of making your blueberries last even longer than just being refrigerated. If you want to help your berries stay fresh for longer, try these tips:
- Freeze them
- Make sure you choose ripe blueberries at the store
- Wash in water and vinegar
- Store in a container with a paper towel
- Store them in the fridge where air can circulate
Conclusion
Blueberries are a delicious fruit, but they do spoil quickly. Use these tips to keep them fresh as long as possible!
