Blueberries last 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge and 8 to 12 months frozen
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 1-2 weeks
Keep blueberries in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, covered with plastic wrap to keep them moist and away from mold spores.
Watch out Throw away blueberries that look rotten or moldy.
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Freezer
Keeps for 8-12 months
Freeze blueberries before their 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator run out.
Blueberries last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them, and 8 to 12 months in the freezer. Store them in a clean fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, and throw away any that look rotten or moldy. Wash them under plain running water before you eat them.
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Blueberries last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them, according to USDA FoodKeeper. In the freezer, FoodKeeper gives them 8 to 12 months.
Keep them cold and covered, and wash them under plain running water before you eat them. This guide also covers how to tell if blueberries are bad and how long dried blueberries last.
How to store blueberries
Store blueberries in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, covered with plastic wrap. The FDA gives that temperature for perishable fresh fruit. The USDA says plastic wrap keeps fresh fruit moist and away from mold spores in the air.
Do blueberries need to be refrigerated?
Yes, blueberries belong in the refrigerator. FoodKeeper lists them at 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. The FDA also says to refrigerate all produce that you buy packaged.
How to keep blueberries fresh
Keep blueberries fresh by starting with good fruit and then keeping it cold and covered. Choose blueberries that aren’t bruised or damaged, and if they come packaged, choose only ones that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice. At home, use them within the 1 to 2 weeks FoodKeeper lists, or freeze them.
How to store fresh picked blueberries
Refrigerate fresh picked blueberries as soon as you get them home, in a clean fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. The FDA says foods that need refrigeration should go in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home.
Keep the berries covered with plastic wrap, and don’t crowd the fridge so tightly that air can’t circulate. Wash them under running water before you eat them.
FoodKeeper lists blueberries at 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. It gives no separate time for berries you pick yourself, so treat that range as a guide.
How long do blueberries last?
Blueberries last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 8 to 12 months in the freezer. FoodKeeper counts the refrigerator time from the date of purchase.
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | 8 to 12 months |
How long do blueberries last in the fridge?
Blueberries last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, counted from the day you buy them. That’s the time the FoodKeeper app data lists for blueberries. Throw out any that look rotten or moldy before then.
How long can blueberries sit out?
Blueberries can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or up to 1 hour if the air is above 90°F. That’s the two-hour rule in the FDA’s guidance on storing food safely, and it covers produce that needs refrigeration.
FoodKeeper gives blueberries only fridge and freezer times, so this rule is the room temperature limit to follow. Put blueberries in the refrigerator or freezer right away instead of leaving them out.
Can you freeze blueberries?
Yes, you can freeze blueberries, and FoodKeeper gives them 8 to 12 months in the freezer.
How to freeze blueberries
Freeze blueberries before their 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator run out, and plan to use them within 8 to 12 months.
How to tell if blueberries are bad
Blueberries have gone bad when they look rotten or show mold, and either one means throwing them away. The FDA says to throw away produce that looks rotten.
For mold, the USDA says soft fruits with high moisture content, such as peaches, should be thrown out when moldy, because they can be contaminated below the surface. Treat moldy blueberries the same way.
How to wash blueberries
Wash blueberries thoroughly under plain running water before you eat them or use them in a recipe. Gently rub them as you rinse. There’s no need for soap or a produce wash.
The FDA doesn’t recommend soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Dry the blueberries with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them, as the FDA explains in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
How long do dried blueberries last?
Dried blueberries last 6 months in the pantry from the date of purchase and 1 month in the pantry after opening, going by FoodKeeper’s line for dried fruit. Once opened, they last 6 months in the refrigerator.
FoodKeeper doesn’t list dried blueberries by name. Its line covers dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, mangoes, and cranberries, so treat these times as a guide.
How to store and freeze raspberries and blackberries
Raspberries last 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and blackberries last 3 to 6 days, counted from the date of purchase, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Store them in a clean fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, the temperature the FDA gives for perishable fresh fruit.
You can freeze both berries. FoodKeeper gives raspberries 8 to 12 months in the freezer and blackberries 12 months, so freeze any you won’t eat within their short fridge time.
| Berry | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberries | 2 to 3 days | 8 to 12 months |
| Blackberries | 3 to 6 days | 12 months |
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should the fridge be for blueberries?
Set the fridge to 40°F (4°C) or below. The FDA gives that temperature for perishable fresh fruit and vegetables stored in a clean refrigerator.
Should you cover blueberries in the fridge?
Covering blueberries with plastic wrap is a good idea. The USDA says it keeps fresh fruit moist and away from mold spores in the air.
What should you look for when buying blueberries?
Choose blueberries that aren't bruised or damaged. If they come packaged, the FDA says to choose only ones that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
Can you wash blueberries with soap?
Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren't recommended for blueberries, because produce is porous and can absorb them. The FDA says plain running water and a gentle rub are all you need.
Does washing blueberries remove all bacteria?
Washing reduces bacteria but doesn't eliminate them, according to the FDA. Drying the blueberries with a clean cloth or paper towel reduces bacteria further.
