Cleaning Blueberries

If you eat Blueberries be sure to clean them properly before you eat them.

Here is how Martha Stewart suggests you wash your berries before eating them.

• Washing blueberries with just water doesn't remove harmful pesticides, bacteria, or mold that can stick to the skin.

• Soaking blueberries in vinegar or baking soda water helps kill germs and break down pesticide residues.

• Vinegar and baking soda are safe, cheap, and work better than most store-bought fruit washes.

Here’s how to wash blueberries effectively using ingredients you likely already have:

VINEGAR WASH

1. Mix 3 parts cold water to 1-part white vinegar in a large bowl.

2. Add blueberries and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Gently agitate the berries with your hands to help loosen debris.

4. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any lingering vinegar.

5. Dry completely on a clean dish towel or paper towels before storing in the refrigerator.

BAKING SODA WASH

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 cups of cold water.

2. Add blueberries and soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.

4. Dry completely on a clean dish towel or paper towels before storing in the refrigerator.

Note: Avoid soaking the blueberries for longer than 15 minutes. The skin can begin to degrade if soaked too long, causing flavors to be dissolved in the cleaning solution

* I do not usually wash my fruit and veggies before storing them, I have heard they will not last as long if prewashed. Follow your current method of storage.