Berries and Moisture

• Many experts advise you to keep fresh berries away from water until you're ready to eat them, as the excess moisture that remains on the berries during storage will only hasten their decay. To keep them fresh longer, the simplest method is to skip the bath and transfer your berries to a shallow container, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Blueberries will last as long as two weeks this way, while other berries -- such as strawberries, raspberries and blackberries -- will last as long as three days. Don't forget to rinse your berries just before you eat them.

The Argument for Washing

• There is one method of storage that calls for washing berries before refrigeration, but it's not as simple as a quick rinse under the tap. According to Cook's Illustrated magazine, the best way to keep berries fresh is to wash them in a solution of three parts water and one part vinegar, then dry them completely in a salad spinner lined with paper towels. Store them in a closed container lined with paper towels with the lid open just enough to allow moisture to escape. According to their tests, this method removes more rot-inducing bacteria than rinsing with plain water, and even scrubbing.

When to Blanch Berries

• If you plan to eat your berries raw, do not blanch them before refrigerating. However, blanching does have several benefits in other berry applications. If you enjoy canning berries, blanching them first will enhance their flavor, preserve their color and kill bacteria. Blanching is also helpful when drying berries, as it helps them dry evenly and retain a softer texture. Researchers have also found that blanching berries before pureeing or juicing helps them retain more antioxidants, which are usually depleted during processing.

Signs of Spoilage

• No matter how you care for your fresh berries, they will meet their end eventually -- whether it be in two days or two weeks. It's time to toss your berries when they become mushy or discolored, or when mold starts to develop. While some thick-skinned fruits are okay to eat if mold appears on the surface, thin-skinned berries may have mold growing under the skin as well. If you discover some of your berries have gone moldy, check the other produce in your refrigerator because mold spores spread quickly.