An Agriculture Expert Explains How to Wash Blueberries Whether They Are Organic or Not (2024)

Knowing how to wash blueberries properly is important to ensure they are safe to eat. When removing dirt or potential pesticide residue from blueberries, aim to prevent smashing and bruising in the process. Timing is also important. For more insight, we tapped an agriculture expert 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 about washing blueberries.

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, so you need to wash them before using them in a recipe or eating them.

"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.

Blueberries are part of the Dirty Dozen, and Melendez says whether blueberries are organic, conventional, hydroponic, from the market, or a neighbor, they should always be washed the same way.

How and 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. "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. Here's how to wash them when you're ready.

Step 1: Pick Fresh Berries

When shopping for blueberries be sure to inspect them at the store before placing them in your cart. Check to see if any blueberries show signs of mold or decay (shriveled and mushy) or discoloration.

If you spot any blueberries that show decay when you get home, remove those from the package and place them in the compost to "prevent the spread of decay onto adjacent berries," Melendez says.

Step 2: Clean Hands and Prepare Area

Start with clean hands. Be sure to keep the blueberries from touching the kitchen sink, which tends to be dirty. Empty blueberries from their container into a colander to make the washing process easier and reduce risk.

Step 3: Rinse Berries Under Cool Water

Turn on your sink, letting cool water flow. "Berries should be washed gently under cool running water, moving them around to allow the water to run across all sides," says Melendez. "If using a colander, you can move the berries with your hands for as long as needed to fully wash them," she adds.

Step 4: Blot With a Paper Towel

Once you've given berries a long, thorough rinse, dry them in the colander with a cloth or a paper towel. Then they're ready to eat.

How to Store Blueberries After Washing

After washing and drying, store blueberries in a breathable container in the very coldest part of your fridge (usually the very top or bottom). This placement is best for storing berries before washing, which is preferred.

"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."

If you want to freeze your blueberries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Once frozen, place the berries in a freezer bag and keep them frozen for up to six months.