Blueberries are most delicious and full of juice during the short period between June and August. Freezing blueberries at their peak will allow you to enjoy the fresh, summery flavors of winter. To freeze blueberries, spread them evenly on a tray and place in the freezer until firm, then put them in bags so you can store them more compactly. If you want to know how to freeze blueberries to preserve their taste and texture, continue reading this article.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Blueberries
Step 1. Harvest blueberries at their peak
For best freezing results, freeze the berries that are full of juice, tenderness, and the most flavorful. Freezing berries that are too sour or slightly mushy will disappoint you because they will not taste good after the ice has melted.
- Harvest blueberries early in the morning - that's when the blueberry flavor is strongest.
- If you don't freeze blueberries immediately after harvesting them, keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready.
Step 2. Decide whether you want to wash the berries or not
There are two opinions when it comes to washing blueberries before freezing them. There is research showing that washing blueberries before freezing them can result in a slightly firmer blueberry skin after the ice melts. Some people say that the difference is subtle, and that they prefer to keep dirt in their freezer by washing the blueberries before freezing them.
- If the berries are washed before freezing, you can enjoy eating frozen blueberries without needing to thaw them first.
- If you plan to use the berries in a pie recipe or other cooked dessert, washing them before freezing should be fine.
- If you decide to wash the fruits before freezing, wash them gently and allow them to dry completely before freezing them.
Step 3. Place the berries on a baking sheet in a single layer
A large cake pan or baking sheet can be used for this step. Spread the berries out so they don't stack on top of each other.
Part 2 of 3: Freezing Blueberries
Step 1. Place the pan in the freezer until all the blueberries are frozen
This process takes 2 to 3 hours. Don't let the berries sit too long on the baking sheet before you move them, as leaving them that way can risk freezer burn or damage to frozen foodstuffs due to dehydration and oxidation caused by air ingress.
Step 2. Place the frozen berries in an airtight bag or Ziploc-type bag
Remove excess air from the bag. The more air you can exhale, the less freezer burn the blueberries will experience. Label the bags with the date you froze them.
Step 3. Store the bags in the freezer
You can freeze these blueberries for up to a year. Enjoy anytime.
Part 3 of 3: Using Frozen Blueberries
Step 1. Melt the berries slowly
The best way to thaw blueberries is to place them in the refrigerator or leave them at room temperature. Do not use the microwave to thaw blueberries unless you plan to cook them.
- To use frozen blueberries, you don't need to thaw them. Simply put the fruit directly into muffins and other baked goods. Bake as usual. This prevents the blueberries from crumbling when added to the batter, and in this way the blueberries will be fresher and fuller in the finished cake. They will stay warm like other baked goods.
- If you decide not to wash your blueberries before freezing them, remember to wash them when they have thawed.
Step 2. Done
Tips
- Mark your bags with the date you froze the berries so you know when it's time for you to eat them.
- Read how to store blueberries for additional tips on how to keep blueberries ready to eat once the ice has melted.
