Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, & Raspberries...Refrigerate or not?

[letsindulge]

Just returned from Costco where I purchased clamshell containers of the aforementioned berries. Just need to hold until tomorrow night. Their destiny is to accompany a lemon creme brulee. Should I refrigerate, or not? Any other tried and true tips I'd greatly appreciate.

[Melanie Wong]

Put them in glass jars, unwashed, put the lids on and refrigerate. The berries go into suspended animation.
http://www.chow.com/digest/799/more-o...

[letsindulge]

One of these days I'll have to try that, but room is scarce in my fridge right now prior to our Christmas Eve extravaganza. I'm fairly certain that they'll stay chilled in the garage.

[Melanie Wong]

Then why did you ask if they should be refrigerated?

You can put the jars in an ice bath.

Edited to add: Remember that heat rises. The top of a refrigerator or a wine fridge tends to be a warm spot in a room. Where I am, it's 37 degrees outside and the uninsulated garage is probably less than 45 degrees. Our artichokes are in the garage on a low shelf.

[racer x]

If it's just for a single day, I think you'll be fine leaving them out.
(Assuming they aren't already overripe and on the verge of turning to mush, and assuming it's not 90+ºF where you are.)

[letsindulge]

Lol...it's low 50's outside @ 5:30PM, but toasty in my kitchen with the oven, and stove going full blast prepping for tomorrow's Christmas Eve extravaganza.

[huiray]

Can't you put them elsewhere other than the kitchen? (or other than the fridge, if you prefer not to or can't do what Melanie Wong suggests)

[letsindulge]

Most definitely! I've already put them atop the wine fridge in the garage. They're looking good so far.