Knowing How to Freeze Blueberries is not only the best way to always have this fruit available, it also saves money! Using this method to freeze fruit is easy and foolproof. Keeping frozen blueberries on hand ensures you have these sweet berries for smoothies, sauces, and more, even when they’re out of season.
There is nothing like picking berries right off the bush. A quick trip to a farmers market or grocery store in the summer is colorful and bright with all of the fresh fruit.
Blueberry season, in particular, is one of the best times of the year. These berries are full of flavor and perfect in so many dishes.
Try them in Smoothies, Baked Oatmeal, or these Blueberry Pancakes. These berries taste delicious and are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
If you make it to a farm or find them on sale at the store, then stock up! If you can’t eat them all before the berries go bad, you can freeze them. It’s a simple process and frozen blueberries save for up to a year.
But don’t stop at blueberries! Learn how to freeze strawberries, and other fruits, too!
How to Freeze Blueberries
Below you’ll find the quick and easy steps for freezing blueberries.
Rinse and Dry
Put all the blueberries in a colander or strainer. Check and remove any stems, leaves, or mushy berries.
Wash them by running the colander under cold water. Lay the berries out on a paper or kitchen towel to dry. Any excess liquid can cause ice crystals or increase the chance of freezer burn.
Freeze on Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Lay the blueberries out in a single layer. This will prevent them from freezing in clumps.
Place the pan in the freezer for 3-4 hours. Flash freezing the berries will ensure consistent texture and flavor.
There is no need to cover the berries as they won’t be in long enough to worry about freezer burn.
Bag or Container
Remove the pan. If any blueberries did clump together, break them apart. Transfer the frozen berries to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Don’t forget to label the bag with a date!
Return to the freezer and store for up to a year.
How to Defrost Frozen Blueberries
Follow any of these simple methods to defrost frozen blueberries:
1-Minute Method
Place frozen blueberries in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals. Be sure to stir the berries between each heating so they thaw evenly.
15-Minute Method
After you remove the bag of frozen blueberries from the freezer, place it directly in a bowl of lukewarm water. After 5 minutes or so, break up the berries so they defrost consistently.
1-Hour Method
If you have a little more time, you can thaw blueberries at room temperature on the counter. Lay out some paper towels to catch any condensation. Place blueberries on the cloth for an hour as they come to room temperature.
24-Hour Method
If you have a day before you need the berries, place the freezer bag in the refrigerator. The blueberries should be good to go the next day.
FAQs
You should wash the blueberries before freezing to remove any dirt or debris, along with any stems or leaves. Then, the berries are ready to use whenever you need them.
Properly prepared by washing and drying, blueberries can be frozen for up to one year.
Flash freezing blueberries on a tray first will prevent squished or mushy blueberries. After, be sure to store the berries in a freezer-safe bag.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Rinse and dry. Be sure to thoroughly wash the berries before freezing. Look for any remaining moisture.
- Check for stems. Ensure there are no leftover inedible parts of the plant mixed in with the blueberries.
- Spread them out. Flash freeze the berries in a single layer to prevent clumping.
- Set a timer. Create a reminder so you don’t leave the berries uncovered in the freezer for too long or they will get freezer-burned.
- Label it. Since blueberries can be frozen for up to a year, don’t forget to write the date on the bag.
Ways to Use Frozen Blueberries
Use frozen blueberries in any of these amazing recipes :
- Smoothies (Mixed Berry Smoothie)
- Baked Oatmeal
- Pancakes (as a topping on Gluten-Free Pancakes or mixed into Blueberry Pancakes!)
- Muffins (Healthy Blueberry Muffins)
- Cookies (Lemon Blueberry Cookies)
- Preserves or Jams
More Foods to Freeze
Have some extra food you want to freeze? Try freezing any of these to store for later:
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How to Freeze Blueberries
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Ingredients
- 1-4 lbs. blueberries
Instructions
- Rinse blueberries in a colander to remove any visible dirt and then dry thoroughly with a dish towel.
- Place the blueberries in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1-2 hours or up to overnight.
- Once firm, transfer the berries to a freezer-safe bag, breaking apart any berries that are stuck together. Write the date on the front and store in the freezer for up to a year.
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Video
Notes
- Nutritional information is calculated based on a 1 cup serving of blueberries.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
