BLUEBERRY BASICS

The 2017 BC blueberry season is underway! Here are some timely tips on how to buy store and handle your BC blueberries. We don’t need to tell you how to enjoy these wonderful berries!

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 mold.
• 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 overdressed 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.

Source: http://www.bcblueberry.com/about-bc-blueberries/blueberry-basics

Thanks to the BC Blueberry Council for this article.