Blueberries are a beloved fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from snacking on them fresh to baking them into delicious treats. However, one of the biggest challenges with blueberries is determining which ones are ripe and sweet, and which ones are tart and underripe. Luckily, a viral TikTok video has provided a game-changing tip for picking the sweetest blueberries.
The video, shared by the TikTok account @onlybsides, demonstrates a simple method for determining the ripeness of blueberries. By pouring the blueberries into a bowl of water, some berries will float to the top while others sink to the bottom. According to the video, the ripest and sweetest blueberries are the ones that sink to the bottom, while the tart ones float to the surface.
Intrigued by this tip, we decided to investigate further to see if there was any scientific basis behind this method. We reached out to berry expert Heather Arndt Anderson, author of “Berries: A Global History,” who confirmed that the ripeness of a blueberry can indeed affect its buoyancy in water. Ripe blueberries have a higher specific gravity due to their sugar content, causing them to sink when submerged in water.
Putting this theory to the test, we conducted our own experiment by submerging a pint of blueberries in water. To our amazement, the majority of the ripe blueberries sank to the bottom, while the underripe ones floated to the surface. A taste test confirmed that the sunken berries were indeed sweeter, validating the effectiveness of this simple trick.
But what about the blueberries that float to the surface? According to Anderson, unripe berries that are green or white when picked will not continue to ripen off the vine. However, blueberries that have already begun to turn reddish or bluish will continue to ripen after being picked. This means that you can store the underripe blueberries for a few more days until they fully ripen and become sweeter.
In conclusion, this float test for blueberries is a game-changer for anyone who loves this delicious fruit. By using this simple method, you can ensure that you’re always picking the ripest and sweetest blueberries for your snacking and baking needs. Say goodbye to sour surprises and hello to perfectly sweet blueberries every time!
