It’s important to wash blueberries before using them – experts explain how to do this and what mistakes to avoid.
Blueberries are a popular fruit, and for a good reason: they’re juicy, sweet, and delicious in desserts, smoothies, and more. The small berries are also perfect for snacking as they require no peeling or cutting.
Although most people would be tempted to eat blueberries straight from the box after buying them, they must be washed first.
The experts interviewed by Martha Stewart explained once and for all how blueberries should be washed and dried so that they do not become soft and moldy.
Why should we wash blueberries?
Although blueberries may look clean, they must be washed before eating or using them in recipes.
“Blueberries should be washed because they [can] carry dirt, debris, bugs, parasites, and other contaminants,” says Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food science consultant and author of the book 150 Food Science Questions Answered. These contaminants can also carry pathogens, which can cause food poisoning.
How to wash blueberries
“Before washing blueberries, inspect and remove [ones] that are moldy or broken, as well as debris like leaves or stems,” says Trung Vu, chef instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Culinary Education Institute in New York City, for Martha Stewart.
To wash blueberries, follow these steps as provided by Chef Vu:
Place the blueberries in a strainer. If you have to wash a lot of berries, wash them in batches to avoid crushing them.
Rinse the blueberries under cold running water, gently shaking them with your hands to make sure all the fruit is exposed to the water.
Gently shake the strainer to remove excess water.
How to dry blueberries after washing
After washing, the blueberries must be dried so that they do not soften and spoil. Here’s how to dry them properly, according to Vu:
Line a rimmed baking sheet with a clean cloth towel or several paper towels.
Place the blueberries on the sheet in a single layer.
Gently pat the blueberries dry with the towel(s). You can gently swirl them around to help remove excess water.
Let the blueberries sit for about five minutes, allowing the towels to absorb excess moisture.
When should blueberries be washed?
Wash blueberries just before using them. You should avoid washing blueberries before storing them in the refrigerator, as the extra moisture will cause them to spoil more quickly.
This can also make them soft and mushy, Vu says, so wait until you’re ready to eat them.
Additional tips for washing fruit or berries
1. Hand Washing: Wash your hands with soap and water before handling blueberries to reduce contamination risk.
2. Vinegar Solution: For a thorough clean, soak blueberries in a mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part distilled white vinegar, then rinse and dry.
3. Avoid Soap: Do not use soap or commercial fruit washes, as they can leave residues or may not be proven effective.
4. Clean Towels: Always use clean towels to prevent recontamination.
5. Freezing: Wash and dry blueberries thoroughly before freezing to prevent clumping. Excess moisture can cause berries to freeze in bunches.