Blueberries are a popular fruit and a versatile ingredient. Learn how to freeze blueberries in a few simple steps so that they are always on hand.
Blueberries are small, round fruits that belong to the genus Vaccinium. Their blue-to-purple color and sweet taste make them a popular fruit.
The fruit contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and anthocyanins. Blueberries can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. They are great in recipes like blueberry pie, blueberry muffins, and quick bread, as well as in smoothies, salads, and as toppings for yogurt and cereals.
During the blueberry season, there is easy access to this fresh fruit at the farmers market, grocery store, local farm stand, or u-pick farm. Freezing blueberries at peak season is a simple process and a great way to have some on hand for your favorite blueberry recipes. It also reduces food waste!
[feast_advanced_jump_to]How long do blueberries last?
At room temperature, fresh blueberries can last for about 1-2 days. In the refrigerator, they typically last for 1-2 weeks. Store them unwashed in a container or the original packaging. Wash them only before you are ready to eat or use them.
For the best flavor and texture, use frozen berries within the first 6 months. While they can still be good for 10-12 months, they may lose some flavor and texture quality after 6 months.
How do you freeze blueberries?
Step 1: Wash the fresh berries thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Spread the dry berries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a couple of hours until firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
Step 3: Transfer frozen blueberries into a freezer bag or freezer-safe containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags or containers with the freezing date. Place the packages in the freezer.
Thawing blueberries
There are a few different simple methods for thawing frozen berries. Choose the one that works best for your needs and time constraints.
Refrigerator
Place blueberries in a bowl or a container and put them in the refrigerator. This method takes several hours or overnight. This method is the best option to keep them firm and help retain their shape.
Cold water
Place the blueberries in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. This method takes about 5-10 minutes and will help retain some firmness.
Room temperature
When you need the berries thawed relatively quickly, room-temperature thawing works well but will leave the berries slightly soft. Spread them in a single layer on a plate or tray and let them sit at room temperature. This method takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Don't have juicy blueberries on hand? Check out these blueberry substitutes.
Tips
- Select and sort - Choose ripe, firm blueberries. Discard moldy berries or those that are overripe, soft, or damaged. It's important to ensure the washed fruit is dry to prevent ice crystals.
- Portioning - If you frequently use a specific amount of blueberries (for smoothies or baking), consider freezing them in portioned amounts.
- Avoiding clumps - The pre-freezing step helps keep the blueberries from sticking together.
- Using frozen blueberries: Frozen blueberries can be used directly in recipes like smoothies, muffins, and pancakes, or as a topping for oatmeal and yogurt. They don’t need to be thawed before use in these cases.
Recipes with blueberries
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📖 Recipe
How to Freeze Blueberries
Ingredients
- Fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Wash the fresh berries thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Spread the dry blueberries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Transfer frozen blueberries into a freezer bag or freezer-safe containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags or containers with the freezing date. Place the packages in the freezer for up to 12 months. Best used within 6 months.
Notes
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