Whether you’re planning on making smoothies, blueberry muffins, blueberry pie, delicious cobblers, blueberry pancakes, or you just ended up with way more fresh blueberries from the farmers market than you expected, it’s always a great idea to learn how to freeze blueberries in order to keep them on hand. There are so many wonderful ways to use frozen blueberries!
Make the most out of peak blueberry season by freezing them for delicious treats and recipes all year long!
Table Of Contents
- What You’ll Need
- How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries (5 Easy Steps)
- Questions About Freezing Berries
- How to Thaw Frozen Blueberries
- What to Make With Frozen Blueberries (Recipes)
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Fresh Blueberries
- A Towel
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Airtight Containers
How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries (5 Easy Steps)
1. Wash Blueberries & Remove Stems
The first step is to wash the blueberries and remove any stems. Rinsing them helps to remove any dirt and prepare them for freezing! Even grocery store blueberries may have some stems, and it’s always best to remove them first.
2. Lay Them Flat to Dry
Lay the blueberries out on a flat surface over a kitchen towel to let them dry at room temperature. The better they dry, the better they will freeze!
3. Chill the Blueberries
Once dry, place the blueberries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the blueberries in the freezer for about 30 minutes (or more)!
4. Place in Airtight Container
Place the chilled blueberries in an airtight container (or reusable freezer bags).
TIP: It’s best to use several smaller containers for serving-sized portions!
5. Freeze the Blueberries
Lastly, freeze the blueberries in their airtight containers for 4-6 months!
TIP: Be sure to label the freezer bags or containers to prevent keeping them for too long and prevent freezer burn.
Questions About Freezing Berries
How to Freeze Blueberries Without Them Getting Mushy?
The secret to freezing blueberries without them getting that mushy texture is to let them fully dry after washing and let them chill on a baking sheet (or cookie sheet) in the freezer before storing in airtight containers. This keeps berries from sticking together and helps to hold the moisture in for each individual blueberry.
Can I Freeze Blueberries in a Ziplock Bag?
Absolutely! However, following these easy 5 steps will help them to last much longer in the freezer (and keep them as fresh as possible).
How Long Can You Freeze Blueberries?
Fresh blueberries can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months! The key is to make sure to freeze them properly by washing them, letting them dry, chilling them on a flat surface, and storing them in airtight containers.
How to Thaw Frozen Blueberries
If you want to thaw out frozen berries, the best method is to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator the night before. For a quick thaw, wash them in a bowl or colander with very cold water until they soften.
What to Make With Frozen Blueberries (Blueberry Recipes)
These delicious recipes are perfect for any occasion!
- Blueberry Banana Protein Muffins
- Gluten-Free Blueberry Bread
- Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe
How To Freeze Blueberries
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1-4 small airtight containers
Instructions
- Wash the blueberries and remove all stems.
- Lay the blueberries flat on a towel to dry for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Place the blueberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating space between each berry.
- Chill the blueberries in the freezer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the blueberries and place them in airtight containers.
- Place the blueberries back in the freezer and keep them frozen for up to 6 months!
Leave a Reply