Whilst blueberry season hasn't arrived in the UK just yet, you can get your kitchen ready now for storing the superfruit. The blueberry season generally spans from mid-July through to September in Britain, meaning it's only a matter of months before you can tuck into a fresh batch of the blue delicacy.
Bursting with antioxidants and brilliant nutrients, blueberries aren't just tasty, they're remarkably good for you too. Thanks to their appealing flavour and handy size, these little fruits make a versatile snack.
British-grown blueberries can come with quite a hefty price tag, particularly when compared to imported options.
Yet whilst blueberries make a brilliant summer treat, keeping them fresh can prove tricky - and you've probably experienced the annoyance of purchasing a punnet only to watch them turn mouldy within 24 to 48 hours.
Fortunately, there are methods you can use to store them for maximum freshness.
What's more, how you store blueberries is vital to keeping them in good condition - and certain techniques reportedly keep them fresh and mould-free for as long as 10 days, reports the Express.
The website goes on to say: "If you won't be using the blueberries for a while, you should wait to rinse until you're ready to use. This can help delay spoilage by not introducing additional moisture to the batch.
"If you're storing your berries unwashed, leave them in their original container or an airtight container lined with a paper towel to keep them fresh."
Despite this, there are certain preparation and washing methods that can be more successful in removing dirt, bacteria and pesticides.
Southern Living suggests sorting through the berries to ensure they're all 'at their best'.
The publication advises: "Pour the berries onto a plate or tray, and carefully remove any that are shrivelled, mouldy or mushy, along with any stems or leaves. Once your berries have been thoroughly picked through, you can move on to rinsing them."
To clean, start by placing the blueberries in a colander or large strainer that allows water to flow through.
Then, rinse the blueberries under cold water for about 15 to 30 seconds, gently agitating them from time to time.
You can also perform a more thorough wash using a vinegar or baking soda solution. For the vinegar solution, combine one part distilled vinegar with three parts cold water in a large bowl.
Proceed by adding the blueberries and let them soak in the solution for about a minute.
Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
For the baking soda solution, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of cold water in a large bowl.
You can pick up some baking soda for 65p in Aldi or Asda.
Next, add the berries and let them soak for about a minute. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Finally, to prevent mould, spread the blueberries out on paper towels or a clean cloth and pat dry.
Southern Living recommends leaving the fruits to air dry and ensuring they are completely dry before storing.