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Freezing blueberries is a great way to enjoy them all year round. It’s super simple and can save you a lot of time and money when blueberries are out of season by preparing and freezing them in-season. In this guide, I’ll show you how to freeze blueberries step-by-step, to help make sure they stay fresh and good to eat for up to a year
Table of Contents
Why Learn How to Freeze Blueberries
- Cost-efficient food preservation: Stock up on blueberries when they are in season and at their lowest price. You’ll save money and enjoy fresh-picked berries for months to come. Sounds like a win-win to me.
- Conveniently ready to go: Frozen blueberries are always ready to be added to a blueberry smoothie, dessert, or other recipe. They’re even great on top of a yogurt parfait. Their high water content causes them to thaw almost instantly, making them a refreshing treat.
- Good for you: Blueberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a nutritional powerhouse. And the good news is that freezing these tiny berries at their peak preserves most of their nutritional value.
Ingredients to Freeze Blueberries
- Fresh blueberries – Stock up and freeze blueberries when they’re in season. That’s when they are sweet, juicy, and ripe. Blueberry harvesting season in the U.S. runs from April through July. When buying blueberries, choose berries that are similar in size, plump, with smooth, unblemished skin that’s deep purple. Avoid red berries as they aren’t fully ripe.
How to Freeze Blueberries
Freezing blueberries is an easy and fun task. You want to make sure you start with firm blueberries. Wash them well in a colander, dry them, then freeze them individually on a rimmed sheet. The last step is the most rewarding – transferring them into a storage bag for your enjoyment for months to come!
Wash the Blueberries
- Wash the blueberries with cold water and drain using a colander.
- Transfer the blueberries to a kitchen towel and spread out in a single layer. Allow them to air dry well.
Freeze the Blueberries
- Spread the blueberries in a single layer on a freezer-safe rimmed baking tray.
- Freeze until firm and frozen solid. Transfer the frozen blueberries to freezer bags or freezer safe containers and seal. Return to freezer and store for up to one year.
Tips for Freezing Fresh Blueberries
- Dry the blueberries thoroughly. Spread the washed blueberries on a clean kitchen towel and spread them evenly. Allow them to air dry for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure there’s no residual moisture.
- Mind the freezing time. Do not leave the blueberries in the freezer for more than 4 hours during the flash-freezing; otherwise, they will get freezer burn.
- Properly store them. After transferring the frozen blueberries into freezer bags or containers, remove as much air as possible before sealing them. This helps prevent freezer burn.
- Remember to label. Label the storage containers or bags with the freezing date so you can keep track of how long the blueberries have been stored. Make sure to use them within one year.
Recipes to Make with Frozen Blueberries
- Berry Banana Smoothie
- Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
- Banana Blueberry Muffins
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not necessary to thaw blueberries before using them. You can add frozen blueberries straight from the freezer into smoothies, certain baked goods (follow the recipe), parfaits, and sauces.
The best way to freeze blueberries so they don’t get mushy is to flash-freeze them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet first. This will ensure that the berries are individually frozen and won’t stick together in clumps. After flash freezing them, then you can transfer them to zip-top bags for longer storage.
No, if you followed this guide on how to freeze blueberries, you can use the berries without rinsing because they were already washed in the first step. They are clean and ready to be used in recipes straight from the freezer.
Freezing whole blueberries at home is as easy as 3 simple steps. With a freezer stocked full of frozen blueberries, you’ll have this juicy berry conveniently ready to go whenever you need them.
More Frozen Food Tutorials:
- How to Freeze Strawberries
- How to Freeze Bananas
- How to Freeze Avocados
- How to Freeze Fresh Herbs
- How to Freeze Cranberries
- How to Freeze Garlic
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How to Freeze Blueberries
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Wash the blueberries with cold water and drain using a colander.
- Transfer the blueberries to a kitchen towel and spread out on a towel. Allow 15-20 minutes for them to air dry.
- Spread the blueberries in a single layer on a freezer safe rimmed baking tray.
- Freeze for 2-4 hours, being careful not to leave longer than 4 hours since they will get freezer burn.
- Transfer the frozen blueberries to freezer bags or freezer safe containers and seal. Return to the freezer and store for up to one year.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
