Its officially blackberry season!

Christine Rose Photography / Getty Images

Its officially blackberry season!

With a rich, earthy flavor, blackberries are in season from July through August.

washing blackberries in a colander

Credit:Christine Rose Photography / Getty Images

Here’s the right way to wash blackberries, including tips for storing the berries so they stay fresh.

Avoid berries that appear dehydrated or soft, and inspect packaged berries for any signs of mold.

If picking berries from the plant, select ones that separate easily from their stems.

raspberries and blackberries in colander

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

How to Wash Blackberries

Here are two Test Kitchen-approved methods for washing blackberries.

Drain well and gently pat dry with paper towels.

Soak the Berries: For very ripe blackberries, we recommend a soak rather than a rinse.

Place the blackberries in a colander and gently dip them in a bowl of cold water.

Lightly move the colander to circulate the water and drain thoroughly.

This method also works well for washing raspberries.

Depending on the jot down, berries will last from 3 days up to 7 days when stored properly.

Here are a few tips for storing blackberries.

Dont store blackberries in their plastic packaging.

Supermarket blackberries often come in crowded plastic containers and can mold quickly.

Place baking sheet in the freezer and allow berries to freeze until solid, 1 to 2 hours.

Transfer frozen berries to a freezer-safe container; seal and label.

Freeze up to 6 months.