Can You Store Blueberries in Tupperware?
Blueberries are known for their nutritious value, often ranked among the most nutritious fruits. But besides their delicious taste and health benefits, these berries have a reputation of going bad quickly, especially if stored incorrectly. This leads to the question, can you store blueberries in Tupperware?
You can store blueberries in Tupperware, but only if you place the plastic container inside the fridge. To remain fresh, blueberries need above average air circulation. Therefore, be sure to place your blueberries in breathable or fridge-friendly Tupperware to keep them fresh when inside the fridge.
Want to learn more about storing Blueberries? Then you couldn`t be in a better place. Read on as we discuss the ways you can keep your blueberries fresher for longer.
How Long Do Blueberries Last?
The average blueberry shelf life depends on when they were harvested and the storage techniques used. After being picked from the blueberry stem, these fruits can last on the shelf for around two to three days. However, your blueberries can go stale faster if you live in a hot environment with low humidity levels.
Blueberries don’t do well when exposed to moisture, which explains why they should be rinsed only before consumption. However, if you want to rinse before storage, you should dry these tiny fruits completely to prevent mold growth.
Storing Blueberries in Tupperware
Since there are different types of Tupperware, you`ll need to choose one that`s suitable for fruit storage. The 4 Pcs Tupperware Fridgesmart Container is designed for the storage of fruits and vegetables in the fridge. It works by preventing moisture from seeping in and is tight enough to lock in the right amount of air.
If you plan on using Tupperware to store your blueberries, you should place the container in the fridge immediately you`ve placed the berries inside.
Blueberries require proper air circulation to remain fresh. As a result, it is advisable to loosely cover your Tupperware if you must seal it. Another vital storage tip is to avoid placing blueberries inside the crisper drawer due to poor air circulation.
Tips for Keeping BlueBerries Fresh
Check for Mold before Purchasing Blueberries
Checking carefully before buying can help to increase the shelf life of your blueberries. Avoid berries that appear shriveled or moldy as they`re usually on the brink of rotting. So once you`ve selected your bunch of blueberries, rifle through the berries checking for mold and other rot signs.
Mold is known to spread fast in blueberries, so don’t hesitate to toss berries that appear affected. Separating the good blueberries from the bad ones will help to maintain freshness, ensuring your berries have an extended shelf life.
Rinse Blueberries Only When Necessary
Rinsing blueberries encourages mold growth, which explains why you should only rinse when you plan to consume or use blueberries in a recipe. But in case you`re among those who prefer to clean fruits before storage, be sure to dry your berries completely before placing them in the fridge.
Keep your Blueberries as Dry as Possible
If the plan is to store your blueberries for several days to even weeks, then you`ll need to keep them as dry as possible. Be sure to dry them off properly after rinsing. The trick is to use paper towels to dry one berry at a time until you`re sure they`re all dry enough for storage.
Refrigerate your Blueberries
Once you`ve placed your blueberries in a clean container, it`s time to put them in the fridge. The berries should maintain their freshness for up to a week or even more if well stored. Remember to avoid sealing your containers completely since blueberries need proper air circulation to preserve their freshness.
Also, you should avoid placing the berries in the crisper drawer due to poor air circulation. Therefore, your berries will maintain their freshness provided they are stored in a cool, dry area with proper air circulation.
Freeze Overripe Blueberries
Storing overripe blueberries with the rest of the bunch will promote the production of ripening gases, and you don’t want that. Consider placing the excessively ripe blueberries (provided they don’t have mold) in the freezer. Frozen berries can last for up to six months if the freezer temperatures are consistently maintained.
To freeze blueberries, place them in a single layer on your baking pan so that they freeze individually. Once the berries are fully frozen, proceed to place them inside plastic freezer bags or container. The berries should be tightly sealed to maintain their freshness.
Facts You Should Know About Blueberries
Blueberries contain anthocyanin: Anthocyanin is a plant compound found in blueberries that gives the fruits their blue color and several health benefits.
Blueberries are among the most versatile fruits: Besides being eaten when freshly picked, blueberries can be incorporated in several recipes including cakes, fruit salads, and even drinks.
Blueberries are often categorized as superfoods: Blueberries are well-known for their nutritional value. These fruits are high in vitamin C and K and contain antioxidants, which help prevent potentially fatal diseases.
Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries Promote the Formation of strong Bones
Blueberries are rich in calcium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, and iron, all of which promote healthy bone formation. Zinc and iron enhance bone strength and elasticity, consequently reducing the chances of joint problems or bone fractures.
Blueberries Improve Skin Health
Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, which is known to boost collagen production in the body. High collagen levels increase your skin`s elasticity, in the process preventing the formation of wrinkles. Regular consumption of blueberries will leave your skin feeling smooth and revitalized.
Blueberries contain High Levels of Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals known to damage cells and lead to aging-related diseases like cancer and heart problems. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin, which helps to promote their antioxidant function.
As proven in a Pubmed study, regular consumption of blueberries has been proven to increase antioxidant levels in the body, thus helping to fight off several cancers and diseases.
Blueberries help to Prevent Heart Disease
Blueberries are rich in vitamin B6, C, folate, potassium, and fiber, which are vital in improving heart health. For instance, folate and vitamin B6 prevent the formation of homocysteine, a compound known to damage blood vessels, thus leading to heart problems.
A study on anthocyanin intake proved that consuming blueberries regularly reduces cardiac complications in both young and middle-aged women.
Ways to Integrate Blueberries Into your Diet
As fresh toppings: You can use blueberries as toppings on cereal, pancakes, waffles, and even oatmeal to add a bit of edge to your breakfast.
In smoothies: Try adding frozen blueberries to your yogurt or low-fat milk to enjoy a rich, highly nutritious taste.
Use blueberries in baking: You can fold blueberries into cakes, sweetbreads, and muffins to enhance the flavor.
Toppings: Using a little water, try blending your blueberries in a food processor. You can use the syrup to top foods and desserts.
Final Takeaway on Blueberries
Besides their unique taste, blueberries are well-known for their nutritional value. And since these fruits only add value when consumed fresh, you`ll need to store them properly if you aren’t planning on immediate consumption.
Ensure that you use the correct Tupperware to store your blueberries, preferably those specifically designed for fridge storage like the 4 Pcs Tupperware Fridgesmart Container. However, do not cover the Tupperware completely since blueberries need proper air circulation to survive.
For long term storage, place the blueberries in a well-sealed container or plastic bag and put them in the freezer.
While it isn’t advisable to store blueberries on shelves, you can place them for a day or two if you plan on immediate consumption. But the fridge is the best storage area for blueberries, especially if you want them fresh and tasty for your recipe or fruit salad.