Freezing blueberries is key to keeping them longer, but it’s important to do it properly. See how to properly freeze blueberries for smoothies, plus tips for avoiding freezer burn.
Freezing Blueberries
If you have a lot of blueberries, freezing them is a good idea. It will extend their shelf-life and stop them from going bad.
There are many uses for frozen blueberries. They can be added to baked goods or thawed for a healthy snack.
Frozen blueberries are also great for chilling and thickening smoothies.
Compared to fresh blueberries, frozen ones are just as healthy. The key is to freeze berries when they’re most ripe, when the nutrient content is highest.
RELATED: 12 Benefits of Eating Blueberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Place the blueberries in a colander. Wash them under cool running water.
Step 3: Transfer the blueberries on a clean towel. Pat dry. Make sure to dry the blueberries completely.
Step 4: Place the blueberries on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 5: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer.
Step 6: Store the blueberries in a freezer-safe bag.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
Pick plump blueberries.
When shopping for blueberries, choose ones that are plump and firm.
The skin should be a deep purple-blue. If the berries are too green, it means they’re unripe and not sweet.
Skip blueberries that are mushy, moldy, or brown. These are signs that the berries are starting to spoil.
Remove the stems.
Some blueberries might have the stems attached.
Be sure to remove them before freezing. It’s easiest to do this while washing the berries.
Dry the blueberries properly.
After rinsing the blueberries, it’s important to dry them completely.
If the berries are wet, they’ll be more likely to clump together in the freezer.
Dry blueberries will freeze separately, so they’ll be easier to add to recipes.
Use a plate instead of a baking sheet.
If you don’t have a baking sheet that will fit in the freezer, you can use a plate. Only use plates that are made of freezer-safe materials, like ceramic.
A disposable aluminum pie pan also works.
Questions You May Have
For the best quality, use frozen blueberries within 8 to 12 months. You can technically keep them for longer, but the taste and texture will decline over time.
Keep frozen blueberries in a freezer-safe silicone bag with an air-tight seal. Remove all the air before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.
Frozen blueberries can be added directly to recipes, including smoothie. But if you want to eat the blueberries as a snack or topping, just thaw them in the refrigerator.
Recipes to Make with Frozen Blueberries
- Blueberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
- Blueberry Collagen Smoothie
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
- Blueberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie
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How to Freeze Blueberries Properly
INGREDIENTS
- Blueberries
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare baking sheet.Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the blueberries.Place the blueberries in a colander. Wash them under cool running water for 10 to 20 seconds. Transfer the blueberries on a clean towel. Pat dry. Make sure the blueberries are completely dry.
- Put the blueberries in the freezer for 1-2 hours.Place the blueberries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the blueberries aren't clumped together. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until the blueberries are frozen.
- Put frozen blueberries into a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer.Push out the extra air and press the seal to close.For the best flavor, use frozen blueberries within 8-12 months.
NOTES
- Pick blueberries that are plump, firm, and deep purple-blue. Avoid berries that are green or mushy.
- Remove any stems before freezing blueberries.
- After washing the berries, make sure they’re completely dry. This will ensure they don’t freeze in clumps.
- If you don’t have a baking sheet that fits in the freezer, use a plate or disposable aluminum pie pan.