One Storage Hack to Keep Your Berries Fresh for Years

Do you know that blueberries can last for up to 3 years when stored under one storage condition? Blueberries, black currant, and raspberries often become moldy quickly due to their high water content which attracts bacteria that feast on moist conditions and end up getting spoilt. Most summer berries can last a few days before they get spoiled. Luckily it is possible to extend the shelf life of your berries, especially by freezing them but this will be more effective by using the storage hack explained below.

Berries are packed with Great Health Benefits.

There are many reasons to keep your berries fresh always, failure to store them properly means you won’t get much health benefits from them. Berries are known to provide numerous benefits, especially for your skin and heart.

Berries are particularly loaded with antioxidants that keep fighting off radicals that destroy healthy body cells. Your body will benefit from antioxidants like anthocyanin and resveratrol because they prevent oxidative stress and keep certain diseases at bay.

When it comes to antioxidants, berries come close to pomegranate, another super food that keeps you healthy. Berries are also known to help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. A six-week study shows that individuals who consume blueberry smoothies up to twice a day witnessed improved insulin sensitivity.

Berries are known to possess high soluble fiber that keeps the human digestive system functioning. Increasing your fiber intake can help your body absorb fewer calories which can help regulate blood glucose. Berries are also known to be rich in essential minerals and vitamins.

One Simple Hack That Can Make Your Berries Last Up to 3 Years

Berries can remain fresh for up to a year when frozen, and you will need to keep them in a freezer. To extend their lifespan from a year to up to three, you should keep them in the freezer-safe bag, then vacuum seal the bag.

Just before freezing, make sure you wash and dry the berries for a thorough cleaning. To clean your berries, get a large bowl and fill it with water before you add your berries. Measure 60mls of 5% distilled vinegar and stir this inside the bowl of water containing the berries. You may want to set a timer for about 2 minutes to allow the berries to soak in the solution before taking them out. Once the 2 minutes are completed, get a colander or salad spinner to drain the berries before proceeding to the next step.

Give the berries a quick rinse once you remove them from the water- this will help remove debris including stems and leaves. Let the berries dry for a few hours until you are ready to transfer them into your preferred storage medium.

Spread the berries on a single layer in a flat tray before you place them in a freezer. Spreading the berries in a tray will allow each berry to freeze individually and once frozen transfer them into the re-sealable bag and vacuum-seal them before final storage.

Conclusion

Using vacuum sealing and re-sealable bags for your frozen berries helps keep excess moisture away. Remember, try to avoid un-sealing the bag unless you want to use the berries, otherwise, you may introduce moisture while the bag is opened. Berries can remain as fresh as you want under the right conditions, but you don’t need to keep them in re-sealable bags and vacuumed conditions if you will use them in a few days or weeks. You also want to eliminate as much dirt and bacteria as you can before you store your berries to further decrease the risks of spoilage.