The Best Way to Freeze Fresh Blueberries

Freeze the ripest blueberries now and enjoy them 10 months later.

Fresh and juicy blueberries are abundant during the summer, but with proper freezing preparation, you can continue to enjoy them year round. Humans have used blueberries as a seasonal source of fruit and nutrition for centuries. Today, in 2011, blueberries come from two primary sources: commercial farms and wild blueberry patches. Wild blueberries are smaller, more delicate and less common than their commercially grown relatives, but just as tasty and versatile.

Things You'll Need

• Cookie sheet
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Discard any unripe, mushy or shriveled blueberries from your batch. Only the ripest, firmest and darkest-colored blueberries will retain flavor and consistency during frozen storage. Do not wash any blueberries you intend on freezing. Freezing blueberries with moisture on the surface will expedite spoiling.

2. Spread your unwashed blueberries on a cookie sheet. Set the cookie sheet in the freezer for one to two hours or until the blueberries are frozen solid.

3. Pour the frozen blueberries from the cookie tray into an airtight container. Leave 2-inches of head space and seal the lid. Store the container in the freezer for up to one year.

4. Thaw the blueberries at room temperature and wash just before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Storing blueberries closer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit will extend their preservation.

• Wait until the blueberries are completely thawed before washing. Pouring water into a container of frozen blueberries will fuse them to each other and make portioning difficult.

References

• CDC: Berries
• National Center for Food Preservation: Freezing Blueberries
• Still Tasty: Best way to freeze fresh blueberries