How to Wash Blueberries the Right Way [Video]

Blueberries are a popular fruit, and for a good reason: They’re juicy, sweet, and delicious in desserts, smoothies, and more. The small berries are also perfect for snacking, as they don’t require any peeling or cutting. You might even be tempted to eat them straight from the carton, but before you do, it’s important to wash them first. Here, experts share how to wash blueberries properly, plus tips for drying them so they don’t get soft and moldy.

Although your blueberries might look clean, you need to wash them before eating or using them in recipes. “Blueberries should be washed because they [can] carry dirt, debris, bugs, parasites, and other contaminants,” says Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. These contaminants can also carry pathogens, which may cause foodborne illness.

“Before washing blueberries, inspect and remove [ones] that are moldy or …