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Learn all the tips and tricks for how to freeze blueberries to extend the harvest. Freezing fresh blueberries is a great way to preserve this wonderful summer fruit without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
From baking to snacking to fancy desserts, blueberries are a favorite fruit for people of all ages! Having some stashed in your freezer is like a delicious, delicious insurance policy.
Unlike making jam or a canning project, freezing fresh blueberries does not require any special kitchen skills or equipment. If you have a baking sheet, 5 minutes, and a freezer, you too can stock your freezer with this amazing seasonal fruit.
Do You have to wash blueberries before freezing them?
Yes! A good rinse will remove fluff, insects, and plant debris, which nobody wants in their blueberries. At least, I’m assuming.
What is the best way to freeze blueberries?
Flash freezing, or the act of freezing food individually, allows the food to be stored without clumping together. In this instance, we’re going to put the blueberries on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze them for 2 hours. Easy peasy!
How do you freeze blueberries without them getting mushy?
Following my steps below, your berries won’t be mushy when they are frozen, BUT, when frozen blueberries thaw, they will be soft, and a bit mushy. With that in mind, I wouldn’t use them for anything where appearance matters, like a cake or candies.
HOW TO STORE FROZEN Blueberries
Once frozen, you can transfer the blueberries to freezer storage (we love these reusable silicone bags) and scoop out whatever amount you need without having to hack away at a hunk of berries. Other options include:
- Freezer-safe Ziploc plastic bags
- Wide-mouth canning jars:
- 8 oz jam jars = 1 cup berries
- 16 oz pint jars = 2 cups berries
- 32 oz quart jars = 4 cups berries
- Freezer-safe reusable snap-tight containersÂ
- Souper Cubes for premeasured portions of frozen blueberries.
How long can you keep fresh blueberries in the freezer?
Your berries will last for 6-12 months in the freezer. If you have a deep freeze, storing your frozen berries in there would be most effective and they will last longer than in a fridge/freezer combo.
How to Thaw Frozen Blueberries
It depends on how you want to use them. For things like jam or overnight oats, or yogurt cups, it’s great to allow them to thaw in their own juices.
For quick thawing – place the (sealed) freezer bag in a large mixing bowl filled with warm water. Replace the water every 20 minutes when it cools.
For basic thawing – place the freezer bag in a large mixing bowl and allow it to sit at room temperature or in the fridge. For a 1-gallon bag of blueberries, it will take up to 12 hours in the fridge, or 4-6 hours at room temperature to completely thaw.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Most recipes do not require you to thaw your blueberries first. If you do need to thaw them, simply place them in a strainer/colander and gently rinse with warm water.
- Toss frozen berries with 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour before adding to baked goods. This will keep them from sinking in the batter.
MORE KITCHEN TRICKS you’ll love:
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Rinse your blueberries in a colander/strainer.
1 blueberries
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Place rinsed berries on a clean towel and bloat them dry with another towel.
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Place a piece of parchment on a rimmed baking sheet and lay berries on top. Use the space efficiently, but try not to let them touch too much.
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Optional:Â Lay another piece of parchment on top of the berries and top with an additional layer of berries. You can do up to three layers on the same baking sheet before it becomes precarious.
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Allow the blueberries to freeze through (1.5-2 hours) and then transfer to a freezer-proof storage container.
- Berries are good in the freezer for 6-12 months.
- Using canning jars:
- 8 oz jam jars = 1 cup berries
- 32 oz quart jars = 4 cups berries
- 16 oz pint jars = 2 cups berries
Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 42kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
