Blueberries don't last long, whether you buy them fresh or in a basket at the store. The appropriate storage can keep them fresh for more than a few days, and it's easy to do.
An airtight container can keep moisture in and promote mold growth or disintegration, so store blueberries in an airgoing container. However, the pint containers with holes used to sell blueberries work very fine.
Most blueberries can stay fresh for over a week if you store this container in the fridge. For this reason, blueberries should be stored in the fridge—they may only last a day or two on the counter.
Most importantly, blueberries survive longer when they're drier because moisture is the enemy. When storing blueberries, don't rinse them before you eat them to reduce moisture.
After rinsing, dry blueberries with a paper towel before storing. Put a few paper towels in the pint jar to absorb moisture and prolong berry life.
Blueberries can be frozen for up to 10 months, and a South Dakota State University study reveals they may have more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. Remove any rotten blueberries and spread the rest on a sheet pan.
After freezing for a few hours or overnight, transfer the berries to an airtight container. Freezing them spread out prevents them from clumping in your container. Remember to eliminate moisture before freezing the berries (or properly dry them) because ice can form on their outside, destroying their texture.
Ice crystals grow inside berries when frozen, disrupting their structure and making them squishy when thawed. This is why frozen berries are best used in smoothies or muffins, but they can still be eaten alone.