How to wash blueberries properly to wash all the pesticides out of them

Have you ever wondered if you are washing your blueberries correctly? Do you know why it is important to remove any chemicals and impurities from blueberries?

Nowadays, it is difficult to find fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, that have not been treated with pesticides, fungicides and insecticides, as they help to increase the resistance of crops, improve their appearance and extend durability.

While bananas and citrus fruits have a protective skin, they are blueberries fully exposed external influences, as they have no natural protection. This makes it all the more important to clean them thoroughly before eating.

Why is it necessary to wash blueberries?

It is recommended that all types of berries, including blueberries, be washed well. This removes impurities, bacteria and chemical residues that may be on the surface of the fruit. This applies regardless of whether the blueberries are organic, bought at the market, in a store, or were grown at home by a neighbor. In any case, it is important to properly prepare them for consumption.

Wash them before eating, not before. Photo: Dina Nasyrova / Pexels

When and how to properly wash blueberries?

When blueberries are brought home, it is not recommended to wash them immediately, unless you intend to eat them immediately. It is better to keep them in the refrigerator and wash just before consumption. When you get home, it's a good idea to inspect the blueberries and remove those that are visibly rotten or damaged. This prevents spoilage from spreading to the rest of the fruit. Washing blueberries before storing them in the refrigerator can increase humidity, which shortens their shelf life.

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Blueberry washing process

Proper washing of blueberries is critical to removing dirt and microorganisms. The process is simple, but requires some attention. First, wash the blueberries gently under cold running water. It is recommended to place them in a strainer and mix them lightly with your fingers so that the water flows evenly through all the fruits. We repeat this process until we are sure that the blueberries are completely clean.

After washing, it is important to gently dry the blueberries. We can use a clean cloth or paper towels to gently soak up the excess water. The dried blueberries are then ready for immediate consumption or can be stored in the refrigerator.

Blueberries are sensitive to moisture, so don't may be stored in closed containers without adequate ventilation. It is best to store them in open or slightly covered containers, which allows air to circulate and prevents moisture from accumulating.