Learn how to freeze blueberries with these simple step by step instructions.
Be sure to freeze enough blueberries that you can make my favorite lemon blueberry bread or make a fresh batch of blueberry syrup or a blueberry pie. Your next summer picnic will not be complete without a blueberry delight dessert.
When is the blueberry picking season?
Depending on your geographic location, blueberry picking season can begin as early as April in Florida and go as late as September in Washington state. But the blueberry picking season is only a few months. Be sure to check out PickYourOwn.org for more information on when blueberries could be ripe in your state.
How long can you freeze blueberries?
Frozen blueberries can be kept frozen for 6 months to a year. The less air that comes in contact with the frozen blueberry, the longer the berries will keep. This is why I will vacuum seal my blueberries instead of packing them in zip-top bags.
Should you rinse frozen blueberries?
Yes, you should always rinse frozen blueberries. In theory, you did not wash the blueberries before freezing them so a quick swish in cold water should remove any dirt that may be on them.
Are frozen blueberries good for you?
A single serving size of frozen blueberries is equivalent to one cup, or 140 grams. Each cup has 80 calories, 0 fat, cholesterol or sodium. A cup of frozen blueberries also contains 5 grams of dietary fiber, 19 grams of total carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. Blueberries are known for their antioxidants used in the fight against aging, cancer and heart disease.
How To Freeze Blueberries:
- DON'T wash them. The water will freeze on the blueberries and they will be a sloppy mess when you defrost them. If you feel the need to clean them rub gently between a clean dry dish towel.
- Spread fresh blueberries on a cookie tray, preferably one with sides. Make sure the blueberries are in a single layer.
- Freeze till firm or over night
- Measure out a portion. I choose to do a 2 cup portion. I find that is what is called for in a lot of recipes. Plus that is what I need when I make blueberry pancakes!
- I have a seal and vac system so that is what I use. You can use freezer storage bags or boxes.
- Be sure to label them with the portion as well as the date.
Why do you freeze blueberries in a single layer?
The point of spreading them on a cookie sheet and freezing them is so that the blueberries don't become one big frozen block. By spreading them out in one layer the blueberries freeze individually verses freezing them in a mass.
How To Freeze Blueberries
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- [freezer containers]
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries fresh
Instructions
- DON'T wash them. The water will freeze on the blueberries and they will be a sloppy mess when you defrost them. If you feel the need to clean them rub gently between a clean dry dish towel.
- Spread fresh blueberries on a cookie tray, preferably one with sides. Make sure the blueberries are in a single layer.
- Freeze till firm or over night
- Measure out a portion. I choose to do a 2 cup portion. I find that is what is called for in a lot of recipes. Plus that is what I need when I make blueberry pancakes!
- I have a seal and vac system so that is what I use. You can use freezer storage bags or boxes.
- Be sure to label them with the portion as well as the date
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