How to Store Blackberries Without Making Them Mushy
Berries are renowned for their nutritious abundance and pleasant flavor. In particular, they are an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. There are also many other kinds to select from; popular varieties include blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Any fruit is a good choice, however research indicates that blackberries have higher levels of vitamins C and K. When they are at their optimal maturity, which is typically in the spring and summer, they have a beautiful purple color and are extremely sweet.
However, blackberries can be difficult to keep, just like most fruits. Proper selection and storage of your blackberries will extend their shelf life. They can grow mold, get mushy, and spoil if left unattended. Berries don’t come cheap, so make sure you purchase and keep them well.them wisely so that you can make use of and appreciate them. When purchasing fresh blackberries, note the maturity of the fruit. Once harvested, blackberries lose their ability to mature further and may develop a sour taste. Steer clear of blackberries that appear red and instead choose ones that are dark purple, blue, or black in hue. They should feel tender and have a luscious, plump appearance. Ripe blackberries are rather matte or dull-looking, rather than shiny as one might anticipate.
How to Store Blackberries in the Refrigerator
If you’re not sure how to store fruit, think about how the grocery shop stores it. Berries are typically kept in the produce aisle’s refrigerated area of supermarket shops. Blackberries, on the other hand, are perishable since, once collected, they stop ripening. When you reach home, put them straight in the refrigerator so they won’t ripen further on your counter. Blackberries should only be kept on the counter if you intend to consume them that same day or the following day.
Put blackberries in your refrigerator’s crisper or humidity drawer to keep them fresh. The purpose of this drawer is to keep your food fresher longer. Make sure the humidity level in the drawer is low before storing blackberries. You may keep blackberries in their original container because they require air movement. Make sure the new container isn’t airtight before transferring them—air must be able to enter. Washing your blackberries before putting them in the refrigerator can encourage the growth of bacteria and hasten the rotting process. Wash blackberries just before using them in a meal or recipe.
The Right Way to Store Blackberries in the Freezer
Wishing for an extended shelf life for your blackberries? Give the freezer some room. In your refrigerator, blackberries won’t keep for long, but if frozen correctly, they will. Although it doesn’t technically go bad, frozen fruit may lose its freshness over time, according to the USDA.
There is still hope if your fresh blackberries are almost gone and you won’t be able to use them up before then.
This is how to freeze blackberries so they don’t go bad:
- Give the blackberries a good rinse under running water
- .Dry off the berries with a pat.
- Place the blackberries on a baking sheet that has been lined. Put them in an individual layer.
- For a few hours, place the baking sheet with the berries on it in the freezer.
- The berries should be taken out of the freezer and placed in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container as soon as they are frozen solid.
- Stock the freezer with the blackberries again.
Frozen berries are just as useful as fresh ones, as they may be used to yogurt, cereal, and oatmeal or enjoyed as a snack. Add them to sorbets, ice creams, and fruit smoothies. They can also be made into a compote, jam, or sauce, or added to overnight oat preparations.
If all you have is frozen blackberries and your heart is set on fresh berries, put them in the fridge to thaw overnight. To rapidly defrost them, you can also microwave them. Blackberries that have been frozen and thawed will still taste and have the same nutritional profile, but their texture will be slightly changed.
How Long Do Blackberries Last?
Blackberries’ shelf life is primarily determined by how they are stored. This is the shelf life of blackberries:
- Counter: For a maximum of one day
- Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Indefinitely in the freezer
Blackberries keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store blackberries in the freezer to extend their shelf life. If you intend to use blackberries right immediately, you can leave them on the counter for up to a day, however this is not advised for extended periods of time.
Benefits of blackberries
- Packed with phytoprotective agents
Anthocyanins, potent plant components (polyphenols) that give blackberries their rich purple color and offer significant health advantages, are abundant in blackberries. Flavonols and ellagitannins, two additional substances with advantageous and protective qualities, are also present in significant concentrations in blackberries.
- Could guard against cardiac conditions
A study that looked into the anthocyanin content of blackberry juice discovered that it has heart disease-prevention benefits. This is accomplished via anthocyanins’ ability to inhibit coagulation and encourage blood vessel relaxation, which helps to maintain more open blood flow.
Potentially beneficial for cardiovascular health. Potassium and vitamin C are abundant in blackberries, and both nutrients promote healthy cardiovascular function.
3. Could aid in cancer prevention
There is evidence that eating a balanced diet may lower your risk of cancer, even if there is no one “super food” that will prevent the disease and other risk factors are unrelated to nutrition.
According to intriguing research, the plant components found in blackberries may have several anti-cancer properties, such as affecting our gene expression and blocking an enzyme that promotes the formation of cancer cells.
4. Could increase brainpower
Blackberries have been shown in an animal study published in the Nutritional Neuroscience Journal to increase both motor and cognitive function; these findings may apply to humans as well.
A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition may be of interest to you if you enjoy foraging for berries. The high polyphenol content of wild blackberries may offer a protective effect on the brain.
It is also crucial to remember that manganese, a mineral essential to brain function, may be found in blackberries. Insufficient amounts of this mineral have been linked to an increased risk of epilepsy and other diseases.
5. Possibly anti-inflammatory
Blackberries may provide protection against inflammatory disorders (like arthritis), according to a number of studies that have looked at its anti-inflammatory properties. However, additional research is required. According to one study in particular, blackberries can reduce inflammation in gastrointestinal disorders by up to 88%, including stomach ulcers.
6. Could improve oral health
Blackberries have been shown in a 2013 study published in the Journal of Periodontal Research to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral qualities. This could provide a natural treatment method for tooth infections.
7. Could have benefits against diabetes
Because berries are naturally low in sugar and have a high polyphenol content, they may help your body regulate blood sugar levels. Berries also contribute fiber to your diet. Consuming berries high in anthocyanins has been shown to have positive benefits on the development and management of type II diabetes, despite the paucity of clinical trials in this area.
8. Could improve digestive health
Blackberries include polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, which provide energy to the good bacteria in our stomachs. These microorganisms transform polyphenols into bioactive compounds that support the integrity of our digestive tract and immune system.
9. Potential therapy for cold sores
Research suggests that using blackberry extract topically may help heal cold sores. Blackberries also seem to have antiviral qualities.
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