How to Preserve Frozen Blueberries

Frozen blueberries can be preserved whole after thawing.

Picking blueberries is a fun summer activity for you and your family that can yield several quarts of berries. Freezing the blueberries after picking them is a cost effective method of preserving them to bake pies and muffins during the winter months. However, you can also preserve your frozen blueberries by canning them whole. Canning frozen blueberries maintains their natural flavor, color and nutrients, and you can store the berries for up to 18 months.

Things You'll Need

• Frozen blueberries
• Colander
• Water
• Medium sauce pan
• Cleaned and sterilized quart size mason jars with lids and O-rings
• Simple syrup
• Boiling water canner
• Canning tongs

Instructions

1. Place the frozen blueberries in your refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.

2. Place the blueberries in a colander and rinse them with water.

3. Heat 2 qts. of water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Place the blueberries in the boiling water for 30 seconds and then pour them into a colander to drain.

4. Fill the mason jars with the warm berries. Add 1/2 cup of simple syrup to each jar. Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top the jars and seal them securely with the canning lids and O-rings.

5. Place the jars into the boiling water canner. Pour water into the canner and cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Boil the jars for 15 to 25 minutes.

6. Remove the jars from the canner with canning tongs and place them on a flat surface away from drafts. Let the jars cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when working around boiling water to avoid a serious skin burn.

References

• Culinary Cafe: Canning Berries - Whole
• Pick Your Own: How to Make Home-canned Blueberries and other Berries - Easily!