How to Store and Use Fresh Blueberries

Blueberries can be frozen, but will also keep in a refrigerator.

Blueberries are convenient fruits since they require no peeling, coring or pitting, and can be stored with little preparation. Blueberries provide vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and food energy. They are also low in calories as 1/2 cup of blueberries is only 42 calories.

Instructions

1. Don't wash the fresh blueberries. Put them in a bowl or spread them out on a cookie sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and then refrigerate them. Keep fresh blueberries in the refrigerator. If they are left out, they will continue to ripen and become soft. Fresh berries will keep in a refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

2. Freeze the blueberries if necessary, but do not wash them first. Place them in a freezer bag, leave some space, and seal. It's not necessary to defrost them. They may be washed and used in any recipe as if fresh.

3. Frozen berries can be used in recipes such as blueberry muffins and blueberry cake, yogurt with granola, in cereals, pancake batter and shakes. Do not refreeze any thawed blueberries.

4. Mix 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, sweetener for taste (sugar, honey, equal, etc) and 1 cup of any flavor of ice cream. Add soy protein and mix the whole thing in a blender for a blueberry health drink.

Tips & Warnings

• Going blueberry picking? Try high bush berries. They are much easier to pick.

References

• Blueberry.org