How to buy and keep the blues
Fresh highbush or cultivated blueberries are plump and juicy with tender skins and tiny
seeds. Color ranges from deep purple-blue to blue-black, highlighted by a silvery sheen
called a "bloom". Size is not an indicator of maturity, but color is. Occasionally you
may find a few red tinged berries that are not fully ripe but are still fine for cooking.
Thaw frozen blueberries in the refrigerator. Store thawed produce in airtight container
and use within 3 days. Never refreeze.
| FORM | PACKAGING | STORAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh |
Cases 12 ct. clamshells: 4.4 oz., 6 oz., half-dry pint, 1 dry pint (11-12 oz.) 18 ct. clamshells: quarts Cartons 2 lbs., 5 lb. |
32° to 34°F • Use within ten days • Rinse just before use |
| IQF Frozen |
Polybags 12 oz., 16 oz. Poly-line cartons 10 - 50 lb |
-10° to 0°F • Use within one year • Measure while frozen • Washed, ready-to-use |
| Canned |
Water- or syrup-packed #300, #10 cans |
75°F or lower, in a dry place • Use within two years of production date stamped on can |
| Dried |
Poly-line cartons 5 lb., 10 lb., 25 lb. |
45°F or lower in airtight containers • Use within five months or freeze up to one year • Ready-to-use or “plump” in liquid |
| Juice & Concentrate |
Single strength Pails: 5 gal. Concentrate Bottles: 32 oz. Pails: 5 gal. Larger sizes available |
Frozen: -10° to 0°F Shelf stable: 75°F or lower, in a dry place • Use within two years |
