Learn how to freeze blueberries perfectly with my step-by-step guide! With these easy steps, tips, and tricks, you can preserve your fresh-picked blueberries and enjoy them year-round.
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Hello, berry lovers! If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t resist a good berry-picking adventure. Recently, I went blueberry picking with my husband and, as usual, came back with way more blueberries than we could eat fresh.
This also happens to me every time I go strawberry picking. As a result, I always freeze the strawberries and make this strawberry ricotta dessert in the winter.
So, what do you do with all those extra blueberries? Freeze them, of course!
Freezing fresh blueberries is a simple yet effective way to enjoy them all year long, just like freezing strawberries.
Let me guide you through the process of how to freeze blueberries so you can enjoy them whenever you like.
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Step-by-step guide to freezing blueberries
Select the best blueberries
- Tip: Choose ripe, firm blueberries with a deep blue color. Avoid any that are soft, mushy, shriveled or blemished.
- Trick: Give them a gentle shake in the container before purchasing. If they move freely, they’re likely in good condition.
Wash and dry
- Tip: Rinse your blueberries in cold water to remove any dirt. Sort through them and remove any stems or leaves to ensure you’re freezing only the best berries.
- Trick: Spread them out on a clean tea towel and gently pat them dry. Excess moisture can cause them to clump together when frozen.
Freeze
- Tip: Arrange the dried blueberries in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. You can also line it with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-4 hours.
- Trick: Ensure the blueberries aren’t touching each other. This prevents them from freezing into a big clump. Setting a timer helps you remember to transfer them before they become freezer burn victims.
Storage
- Tip: Once frozen, transfer the blueberries to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. I like to use the straw method to remove as much air as possible.
- Trick: Label the container with the date. For optimal flavor, frozen blueberries should be enjoyed within 6 months, although if stored properly, they can last up to one year.
More tips for best results
- Dry thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy here. Make sure your blueberries are completely dry before freezing.
- Portion control: Consider freezing your blueberries in small portions. This way, you can easily grab the amount you need without thawing the entire batch.
FAQ
Properly stored, frozen blueberries can last up to a year in the freezer. However, they are best if consumed within 6 months.
This usually happens if the berries are not completely dry or frozen in a pile. Make sure to pre-freeze them in a single layer.
To prevent frozen blueberries from sinking to the bottom of your baked goods, toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute the berries more evenly throughout your muffins, cakes, or other baked treats.
How to use frozen blueberries
Frozen blueberries are wonderfully versatile. I love blending them straight from the freezer into smoothies, folding them into this buttermilk pancake batter or sprinkling them over sweet ricotta.
When my kids were younger, I would blend frozen blueberries (or any frozen berries, but blueberries were their favorite) with a little yogurt to create a creamy treat and call it ice cream. Even though they know my secret now, they still love it as a snack!
If you need to thaw frozen blueberries, leave them in the fridge overnight, or for a faster option, spread them out on a paper towel at room temperature.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them throughout the year:
- Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake: This moist and tender coffee cake features layers of blueberries and a delightful walnut streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Lemon Blueberry Scones: These bakery-style scones have a tender crumb and a subtle crunch from cornmeal. The combination of lemon zest and blueberries gives them a refreshing flavor.
- Easy Blueberry Compote: This versatile compote can easily be made with frozen blueberries and used in various ways, such as drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream or stirring into yogurt and oatmeal. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy the flavor of blueberries year-round.
- Homemade Blueberry Jam Without Pectin: This simple, no-pectin recipe makes making your blueberry jam easy. This guide shows you how to transform blueberries into a delicious, spreadable jam.
So, next time you have an abundance of fresh berries, don’t hesitate to freeze them. Frozen blueberries are incredibly versatile and convenient, whether using them in smoothies, baking them into muffins, or simply tossing them on your morning cereal.
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you’ve tried freezing blueberries using this method, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the guide!
Recipe
How to Freeze Blueberries
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Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries or as many as you want
- water
Instructions
- Place the blueberries in a colander and rinse under cold running water.
- Sort through them and remove any stems or leaves.
- Remove excess moisture by spreading them out on a clean tea towel and gently patting them dry.
- Transfer the blueberries to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet of berries in your freezer for 2-3 hours.
- Transfer the individual frozen blueberries to resealable freezer bags.
- Use a straw or a sealer to remove as much as the air as possible as this will reduce the formation of ice crystals.
- Properly label your bags by indicating the date and place your bag in the freezer.
Video
Notes
- Dry thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy here. Make sure your blueberries are completely dry before freezing.
- Portion control: Consider freezing your blueberries in small portions. This way, you can easily grab the amount you need without thawing the entire batch.
Samantha Gamble
Many thanks for all your great recipes.
Maria
My pleasure Samantha! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Sara
Very helpful post! Thanks Maria!
Maria
Thanks Sara! Glad you found it helpful!