Summer berries are one of my most favorite parts of the summer season. With berries popping up at grocery stores, farmers markets, and roadside stands, it’s easy to want to stock up every chance you get. The problem is, most berries don’t have a long shelf-life. So, I’ve got a few berry storage tips to help make your favorite berries last as long as possible. Whether you are jamming on strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, the same rules apply. I’ve also included some of my best berry recipes for your enjoyment!
There is nothing quite like the flavor of a fresh berry right off the bush on a warm summer day. Plump and shiny, those berries burst into your mouth tasting like the homemade jam your grandmother used to make. It doesn’t get much better than that.
While berries don’t tend to stay in that small window of perfection for very long, there are ways to extend their shelf life, letting you relive that summer feeling all year round.
Here I’ll cover what to do when you get your berries home, when and how to wash them (it matters!), and which storage option is right for your situation. I’ll also included some of my favorite recipes for both fresh and frozen strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Bringing Home Summer Berries
If you’ve ever asked in a public forum about washing summer berries, you will get some very impassioned responses. Most berries are picked on a dry day, and packed right in the field as they come off the bushes.
By the time they get to your home kitchen, they are still coated in the dust and dirt from the field. While most people agree that you should wash your berries, people like to argue over when and how.
However, the proper handling of berries starts before we even get to that argument. In fact, the first thing you should do when you get your berries home is to inspect and sort them.
Start by setting aside any broken or crushed berries to eat that day. Then, discard any moldy berries. One moldy berry can quickly overtake the whole pack, so remove them as soon as you spot them.
If there is a moisture absorbing liner in the container, check to make sure it’s dry. If not, remove it and consider replacing with a paper towel to help absorb any juice. Moisture is the enemy of the perfect berry. By removing excess moisture you can extend the shelf life of the berries.
Washing Summer Berries
Now that your berries are sorted and inspected, we can get back to the when to washing argument. People on team “wash as soon as possible” claim that washing berries immediately prevents the whole pack from going bad. Meanwhile those on team “wash as you eat” claim that the act of washing is what makes them go moldy in the first place.
The truth is that they are both right and they are both wrong. Berries don’t mold because they are or are not washed. They mold because of excess moisture (aka the enemy of the berry.) This moisture can come from condensation in the packaging, juice from crushed or broken berries, or leftover water from being washed.
The choice of when to wash should be made depending what you are doing with your berries and how you want to store them. If you are going to eat them right away or plan to freeze them, a simple rinse under running water will suffice.
If you want to wash prior to storing in the fridge, I recommend a quick soak in a tub of cold water with a splash of white vinegar. Berries don’t need soap or special fruit washes (most of which are mainly vinegar with much higher price tags) to be clean enough to eat.
Let them soak a minute or two then rinse with clean water to remove any lingering vinegar smell or taste. Don’t let them soak too long, or they may taste like pickled berries.
Most recommendations for a vinegar wash are 1 parts white vinegar to 3 parts water. The vinegar (like the act of freezing) can help kill off any micro spores of mold that you may not be able to see.
Storing Berries
For maximum shelf life berries should be dried thoroughly and stored in a cool dark place. A fridge or freezer works best.
After washing your berries, lay them out on a clean towel and allow them to air dry. Pro tip: place them on a cookie sheet to keep your berries mobile and your counters accessible for other things.
Fridge
If you are going to be eating them in the next 3 – 5 days, the refrigerator is your best option. Regardless of when you choose to wash them, inspect the berries for mold, moisture, and broken berries.
Make sure the berries have had plenty of time to dry, then place them into a clean and dry ventilated container.
Do not store fresh berries in an airtight container for more than a few hours as the lack of ventilation can cause the berries to mold. Remember: moisture is the enemy of a good berry.
Freezer
If you want to extend the life of your berries even longer, the freezer is a good option. It will lock in that fresh-from-the-berry-bush flavor, and prevent the berries from going bad before you can eat them. While frozen berries may not retain their shape perfectly when they thaw, you can use them in smoothies, eat them on their own as a frozen treat, or use them in recipes that call for frozen berries.
To freeze your berries place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze until solid (2 – 6 hours depending on freezer settings and berry size). Then place in an airtight container and return to the freezer.
Unlike refrigerated berries, frozen berries aren’t at risk to mold. Placing the frozen berries in an airtight container will prevent them from absorbing any off flavors.
Berries should last in the freezer for about 6 months. Since the berries will lose their shape when thawed, you definitely want to clean and dry them completely before freezing.
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18 Delicious Summer Berry Recipes
From jams to pies to fancy desserts, these are some of my favorite ways to put fresh and frozen berries to work in your kitchen.
18 Delicious Summer Berry Recipes
Have an abundance of summer berries? Here are 18 delicious ways to put those delicious summer delights to good use.
Blueberry Recipes
Recipes featuring fresh or frozen blueberries.
Small Batch Blueberry Jam
Small batch blueberry jam is jam packed with fresh blueberry flavor. With a hint of cardamom and less sugar, this jam is sure to become a summer favorite.
Blueberry Ice Cream
Homemade blueberry ice cream. This egg-free ice cream is filled with fresh blueberries, whole milk, and cream. It tastes like summer in a bowl.
Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are perfect for breakfast or brunch any time of the year. Filled with plump, ripe, blueberries and topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel.
Blackberries
Recipes featuring fresh or frozen blackberries.
Blackberry LIme Sorbet
Blackberry lime sorbet is smooth and creamy, tangy and sweet. A homemade fruit sorbet with both churn and no-churn instructions, it's a five ingredient treat you'll want on hand all summer long.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Blackberry bourbon smash is a blackberry cocktail created for those who love bourbon whiskey. A refreshing, fruity, twist on a timeless classic. Mix up one tonight.
Blackberry Crumble Pie
Blackberry crumble pie has a spiced blackberry pie filling, homemade pie crust and buttery crumble topping. Rich, delicious, and perfect for the holidays.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Take classic pork chops and applesauce to the next level with Oregon blackberries! Using frozen berries, oven roasted applesauce is pork's perfect match.
Raspberries
Recipes featuring fresh or frozen raspberries.
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
Looking for a light, refreshing cocktail that's perfect for summer sipping? This raspberry mojito cocktail totally fits the bill! Loads of raspberry flavor, with hints of mint and lime. Perfect for you next patio get together.
Raspberry Mango Wine Popsicles
Raspberry mango wine popsicles are a delightfully refreshing, adults only treat. Perfect for hot summer days, BBQs, or no special reason at all.
Raspberry Bellini
This raspberry bellini is the perfect addition to any spring soiree for all the mom's to be in your life. Fruity, slightly sweet, and alcohol free thanks to Fre.
Strawberries
Recipes featuring fresh or frozen strawberries.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
This homemade strawberry shortcake will make you ditch the store bought version for good. With brown sugar cardamom biscuits, lime macerated strawberries, and vanilla whipped cream it's an elegant twist of your old summer favorite.
Small Batch Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Small batch strawberry rhubarb jam with a hint of ginger and lime. With no-pectin added and less sugar than store bought jam, it's an excellent way to preserve the flavors of summer.
Berry Avocado Smoothie
This berry avocado smoothie is packed full juicy berries, creamy avocado, and the natural protein power of greek yogurt. Make it uniquely yours with your favorite smoothie mix-ins.
Strawberry Mojito Wine Popsicles
Beat the summer heat with these strawberry mojito wine popsicles. They are loaded with sweet strawberries, a hint of mint and a kick of fruity white wine.