An easy way to store fresh local blueberries to enjoy throughout the year! A few simple steps and a freezer can make a big difference when blueberries are excessible for your next dessert, smoothie or snack.
Every year I go out to my local blueberry farm ARROWWOOD FARM to pick my own blueberries. I have been freezing or preserving blueberries for years! It is one of my favourite fruits to freeze and for many reasons that I will explain. For now, if you love blueberries as much as I do, then I highly recommend freezing them so you can enjoy them throughout the year. Freezing is one of the best method to preserve fresh fruit and vegetables. They will last longer without spoiling and they retain their nutrients longer. So let’s get started!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- 10 lb fresh blueberries
- Baking sheets
- Colander
- Ziplock freezer bags
- Paper towels or kitchen towels
WASH OR NOT TO WASH?
Some people prefer to not to wash their blueberries and other believe it is necessary to wash them to remove any dirt or bacteria. If you don’t wash them, then it is recommended to rinse them just before you use them or add them to your baking.
I was once told by a blueberry farmer not to wash them to retain the whitish coating that will protect them from spoiling. I have always wash them before freezing. So I tried it one year to just place them in a ziplock bag and when I pulled them out of the freezer and wash them, they all stuck together. I had to separate them the best I could to add them to my muffins. If you plan to make blueberry jam or add them to a smoothie, then it wouldn’t be a problem. I have never had any issues with spoilage. So with that said, it’s up to the individual and what you are comfortable with.
STEPS TO FREEZING BLUEBERRIES
- Start by laying out the baking sheets on the counter. Lay 2-3 layers of paper towel or a kitchen towel on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the kitcen sinks, making sure sinks are clean and free of any food debris. Fill the one sink with cool water and place the colander in the adjacent sink.
- Pour in about 4-5 cups of blueberries into the filled sink and using your hands, gently move and slightly rub the blueberries with your hands to remove any stems or leaves. Take about 5 handfuls at a time and add them into a colander sitting in adjacent sink. Run the water over the blueberries, gently moving the blueberries around. Give it a few shakes to remove excess water.
- Transfer the blueberries on the prepared baking sheet, spread them out evenly, making sure they aren’t on top of one another. Take a paper towel and gently roll it over the blueberries to help remove some of the water. Once baking sheet is filled with blueberries. Place in the freezer for about 1-2 hours minutes.
- Remove the blueberries from the freezer and they should be slightly frozen, but no completely. This technique helps to remove any excess water. Pour the berries into a ziplock bag. I like to use a straw to suck out most of the air from the bag. Place in the freezer for up to 6-10 months. Enjoy!
It is important to dry the blueberries as best you can when you place them in the freezer. So when you add them to the freezer bag there won’t be any water lingering on the fruit and you wouldn’t have chunks of ice on the berries. I tend to go through quite a bit of paper towels, and a kitchen towel is a good alternative.
SUPERFOOD
It seems as though every year there are new studies and new information on what are the healthiest foods and which fall under the superfood category. As far back as I can remember and that’s been several years, blueberries as been one of the BEST foods to eat!! What are the benefits to this dark rich fruit:
- They are high in antioxidants which means they protects us from the deadly disease cancer. It known that blueberries reduces abnormal cell growth which feeds the cancer.
- Good for the brain, so much so it helps improve memory and brain health.
- Protects our eyes and in turn reduces vision loss
- Controls are blood sugar levels
- Promotes healthy gut bacteria that acts similar to prebiotics
- Provides many heart benefits with studies showing a lower heart attacks
- Strengthens bones sinces it is loaded with nutrients which include calcium, magnesium, zinc, phorphorus, iron and Vitamin K.
So the next time you are at the grocery store, farmers market and a fruit stand, make sure you have blueberries in your cart. These babies will keep you young and healthy, cause we all want to live a long healthy life!
Blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, normally in a container you purchased them in or transfer them into a container that allows air to circulate. I recommend to wash them just before you eat them as it will extend their freshness.
TRY THIS DELICIOUS BLUEBERRY RECIPES
- BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE TART
- BLUEBERRY PIE
- VEGAN BLUEBERRY OAT NUT BREAKFAST BARS
- BLUEBERRY CRISP RECIPE
- ZESTY LEMON BLUEBERRY LOAF WITH LEMON GLAZE
- BANANA BLUEBERRY NUT MUFFINS
- BLUEBERRY SCONES WITH LEMON GLAZE
- LEMON BLUEBERRY MUFFINS WITH STREUSEL
How to Freezer Fresh Blueberries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by laying out the baking sheets on the counter. Lay 2-3 layers of paper towel or a kitchen towel on the baking sheets.
- Make sure sinks are clean and free of any food debris. Fill the one sink with cool water and place the colander in the adjacent sink.
- Pour in about 4-5 cups of blueberries into the filled sink and using your hands, gently move and slightly rub the blueberries with your hands to remove any stems or leaves. Take about 5 handfuls at a time and add them into a colander sitting in adjacent sink. Run the water over the blueberries, gently moving the blueberries around. Give it a few shakes to remove excess water.
- Transfer the blueberries on the prepared baking sheet, spread them out evenly, making sure they aren't on top of one another. Take a paper towel and gently roll it over the blueberries to help remove some of the water. Once baking sheet is filled with blueberries. Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the blueberries from the freezer and they should be slightly frozen, but no completely. This technique helps to remove any excess water. Pour the berries into a ziplock bag. I like to use a straw to suck out most of the air from the bag. Place in the freezer for up to 6-10 months. Enjoy!
2 Responses
Thank you sooo much, this is such a Great way to freeze the blueberries. I took your idea and froze mine the exact way. It worked out Wonderfully.
I agree, thank you so much for your comment and rating Marilyn!
Rose