How to Keep & Store Blueberries

Storing blueberries is easy.

Blueberries come from the same plant as cranberries and are native to North America. The fruit is harvested from May to August. While fresh blueberries can only be stored for a few weeks, frozen blueberries will keep for months, allowing you to use them year-round. Blueberries are an extremely healthful fruit; in fact, they have gained a reputation as a "superfood" among nutrition experts. The berries contain antioxidants, significant amounts of vitamin C, fiber and several B vitamins.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar
• Sealable containers
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Store fresh blueberries in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Most fresh blueberries will last for about two weeks if refrigerated immediately after picking. If you buy your blueberries at the store, you may need to use them sooner, as they won't keep as long.

2. Freeze blueberries by placing the unwashed berries on a baking sheet and placing the sheet in a freezer. Once the berries are frozen, place them into containers, seal the containers and keep frozen. Frozen blueberries can be stored for eight to 12 months.

3. Freeze pureed blueberries for six to eight months. Pureed blueberries are useful in dessert recipes or sauces and easy to store. Wash the blueberries and puree them in a food processor. Stir 1 cup of sugar for every 2 lbs. of pureed berries and add to freezer-safe containers. Seal the lids on the containers and keep frozen until you are ready to use the pureed fruit.

References

• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Freezing: Blueberries
• "Blueberries: A Century of Research"; Robert E Gough and Ronald Korcak; 1996
• "Very Blueberry"; Jennifer Trainer Thompson; 2005
• "The Busy Person's Guide to Preserving Food: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Freezing, Drying, and Canning"; Janet Chadwick; 1995
• "The Farmer's Wife Guide To Fabulous Fruits And Berries: Growing, Storing, Freezing, and Cooking Your Own Fruits and Berries"; Barbara Doyen; 2002