Blueberries stay fresh 21 days longer without turning mouldy if stored with one item
Blueberries are a summertime favourite that work brilliantly in smoothies or baked into muffins, yet keeping them fresh can be maddening as they frequently go off well before their use-by date.
You may be astonished to discover that most fruit shouldn't be kept in plastic packaging, as this limits air circulation and captures moisture, creating a damp atmosphere.
Berries are packed with water, which naturally escapes over time, and when excessive moisture accumulates it causes fruit such as blueberries to develop mould.
READ MORE - The Chase star Darragh Ennis shares 'genius' tip to help you sleep better
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Nevertheless, recipe developer Jerry James Stone has revealed that maintaining blueberries plump and fresh for extended periods is remarkably simple, requiring just a few minutes of proper washing.
Jerry explained: "You simply cannot see all the bad stuff on the blueberries. You're not Ant-Man. Produce is covered in dirt, mould spores, and other nasties that cause it to spoil. Blueberries are especially sensitive to these things. So you need to wash them.", reports the Express.
Blueberries are susceptible to bacteria owing to their substantial water content, and washing them extends their lifespan by reducing contamination and mould risks.
Simply place the blueberries in a large bowl containing three parts water to one part vinegar.
Vinegar eliminates mould spores and bacteria from your blueberries whilst being mild enough to disinfect without damaging the fruit. To ensure your blueberries remain fresh, soak them for about five minutes, then drain using a colander and spread them on a plate with a tea towel or kitchen paper to dry.
It's crucial to eliminate any dampness as moisture promotes bacterial growth which can spoil the berries, so confirm that the blueberries are completely dry before storing them again.
After drying, place the blueberries in a container lined with kitchen paper, which will soak up any residual moisture and prevent them from turning mouldy or soft.
Jerry advises on the best storage method: "Once they are dry, store the berries in a towel-lined container that you can cover, and place them in the fridge."
He also highlights the importance of proper ventilation, adding: "Something slightly breathable is best. Airtight containers can trap moisture, and we don't want that. That also means keeping them out of any drawers that create excess humidity. No joke. I have had blueberries last for just about three weeks this way."
By washing, thoroughly drying, and storing blueberries with kitchen paper, you reduce bacterial presence and can keep them fresh for up to three weeks, ensuring no need to discard these succulent fruits during the summer.
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Edinburgh Live
14 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Blueberries stay fresh 21 days longer without turning mouldy if stored with one item
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Blueberries are a summertime favourite that work brilliantly in smoothies or baked into muffins, yet keeping them fresh can be maddening as they frequently go off well before their use-by date. You may be astonished to discover that most fruit shouldn't be kept in plastic packaging, as this limits air circulation and captures moisture, creating a damp atmosphere. Berries are packed with water, which naturally escapes over time, and when excessive moisture accumulates it causes fruit such as blueberries to develop mould. READ MORE - The Chase star Darragh Ennis shares 'genius' tip to help you sleep better READ MORE - Oasis fans say gig-goer 'didn't deserve' ticket as they spot what she's doing Nevertheless, recipe developer Jerry James Stone has revealed that maintaining blueberries plump and fresh for extended periods is remarkably simple, requiring just a few minutes of proper washing. Jerry explained: "You simply cannot see all the bad stuff on the blueberries. You're not Ant-Man. Produce is covered in dirt, mould spores, and other nasties that cause it to spoil. Blueberries are especially sensitive to these things. So you need to wash them.", reports the Express. Blueberries are susceptible to bacteria owing to their substantial water content, and washing them extends their lifespan by reducing contamination and mould risks. Simply place the blueberries in a large bowl containing three parts water to one part vinegar. Vinegar eliminates mould spores and bacteria from your blueberries whilst being mild enough to disinfect without damaging the fruit. To ensure your blueberries remain fresh, soak them for about five minutes, then drain using a colander and spread them on a plate with a tea towel or kitchen paper to dry. It's crucial to eliminate any dampness as moisture promotes bacterial growth which can spoil the berries, so confirm that the blueberries are completely dry before storing them again. After drying, place the blueberries in a container lined with kitchen paper, which will soak up any residual moisture and prevent them from turning mouldy or soft. Jerry advises on the best storage method: "Once they are dry, store the berries in a towel-lined container that you can cover, and place them in the fridge." He also highlights the importance of proper ventilation, adding: "Something slightly breathable is best. Airtight containers can trap moisture, and we don't want that. That also means keeping them out of any drawers that create excess humidity. No joke. I have had blueberries last for just about three weeks this way." By washing, thoroughly drying, and storing blueberries with kitchen paper, you reduce bacterial presence and can keep them fresh for up to three weeks, ensuring no need to discard these succulent fruits during the summer.
Edinburgh Live
14 hours ago
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ITV The Chase star Darragh Ennis shares 'genius' tip to help you sleep better
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Chase's Darragh Ennis, also known as The Menace on the popular ITV quiz show, has shared a tip that could revolutionise your sleep. While he's widely recognised for his quizzing prowess, Darragh is also a neuroscientist and has penned a book about the human body titled 'The Body: 10 Things You Should Know'. In a recent TikTok video, Darragh delved into why so many of us find it difficult to nod off at night and disclosed a straightforward change we can make to ensure a more restful slumber. Darragh explained that the habit of scrolling through our phones before hitting the hay can hinder sleep due to the type of light these devices emit. 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These filters are designed to block out blue light in an effort to reduce eye strain in the evening, but according to Darragh, they don't do much for improving sleep quality. He remarked: "The blue light filters and things don't seem to have much impact either. Lots of studies have shown this because [with] other parts of the light spectrum, particularly yellow light, our brain thinks that it is coming from midday sunlight. This also stops us from getting sleepy." For those struggling with sleeplessness at bedtime and searching for a simple remedy, Darragh recommends leaving your phone behind when you go to bed. He suggested: "If you really want to get better sleep, it has been shown that the best thing you can do is not look at a backlit screen at all. If you want to read or anything, it's better to put your phone down and read a book." Tips for improved sleep from NHS Every Mind Matters. The NHS' Every Mind Matters initiative offers several tips to help you fall asleep faster and enjoy better-quality sleep once you do. Their advice includes establishing a good sleep routine. One key aspect of good sleep hygiene is maintaining a consistent routine, which involves setting specific times for winding down before bed, as well as sticking to regular sleeping and waking times. 2. Unwind and consider meditation for better sleep. Steer clear of electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, as mobiles, tablets and computers emit blue light that hinders sleep. Reading, listening to soothing music or a podcast, or practising sleep meditation can all aid if you struggle with sleep. 3. Embrace mindfulness for improved sleep. Anxiety, worry and stress can impact the quality of our sleep. Fortunately, there are daily practices you can adopt to manage your worries, such as confiding in someone you trust or jotting down your concerns in a notebook. 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If you're weary and relishing the sensation of rest, sleep may naturally ensue. However, if sleep eludes you, rise from your bed and settle in a cosy spot to engage in a calming activity, such as reading a book or listening to soothing music. 6. Enhance sleep with diet and exercise. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can aid relaxation and promote better sleep. Steer clear of hefty meals before hitting the hay, and aim to cut out caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine prior to bedtime. The general guidance is to dodge stimulants 1 to 2 hours before retiring for the night. Regular physical activity aids sleep, but refrain from vigorous workouts in the 90 minutes leading up to bedtime if you find it hinders your ability to nod off.
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Young Scottish woman's holiday nightmare after 'sun cream mix up'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scottish dancer's face swelled up so much she could barely see after she used tanning oil instead of sun cream. Hally Galletta was making the most of the UK heatwave at an outdoor swimming pool. The 23-year-old forgot her own sun cream and instead applied some of her friend's tanning oil, assuming it had SPF in it. And after four hours in 32C (89F) heat, her face had turned bright red. Hally's face started to swell, and the next morning she was in agony and could barely open her eyes. READ MORE - Oasis fans say gig-goer 'didn't deserve' ticket as they spot what she's doing READ MORE - Alan Titchmarsh makes 'heartbreaking' find after returning home with wife "It was a hot day - 32C with a UV index of eight," Hally, from Perth, told What's the Jam. I normally wear SPF every single day, but that morning I forgot to put it on. "I knew my friend was bringing tanning oil and I used that, not realising it didn't have any SPF in it. I was only in the sun for about four hours. (Image: Jam Press) "When we left the pool, my face was red, but I didn't think too much of it because I'd never had a bad sunburn before. "Later that evening, it started to swell. I put on some aftersun and hoped it would be better by morning, but when I woke up, I could barely open my left eye, and the pain was awful. "I kept trying to manage it at home with aloe vera, antihistamines, ibuprofen and ice, but nothing helped. The next day, my skin felt even tighter, more painful, and then it started to blister and peel." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Hally says her face was so red and swollen that people were staring at her in the street. Her face is still recovering, and Hally worries there will be long-term damage to her skin. She said, "It was really noticeable. People were staring when I was out, and when I went to work, everyone was asking if I needed to go home or see a doctor. "My friends and family were really concerned. My face is still healing. It's peeling and sore, and I'm planning to see a doctor soon to check everything is okay and that there's no long-term damage." Hally is sharing her story to raise awareness of the importance of wearing sun cream. She added, "It's been such a wake-up call. I think a lot of people my age still think more about getting a tan than protecting their skin, but I'll never leave the house without SPF 50 on my face again. "It's really not worth the pain or the risk. I'm just praying my face goes back to normal soon."
