Look for: fresh blueberries that are firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned and relatively free from leaves and stems. Size is not an indicator of maturity, but color is—berries should be deep-purple blue to blue-black; reddish berries aren't ripe but may be used in cooking.

Stay away from: containers of berries with juice stains which may be a sign that the berries are crushed and possibly moldy; soft, watery fruit that means the berries are overripe; dehydrated, wrinkled fruit that means the berries have been stored too long.

Fresh berries should be stored covered in the refrigerator and washed just before using. Use within 10 days of purchase.