Blueberries are popular in the U.S. and many other countries for their amazing taste. These berries are low in calories and have high nutrients. They can be used in smoothies, for breakfast recipes, or as a healthy snack. Have you thought about storing blueberries or freezing blueberries for a long time at home?
It’s really delightful and exciting for blueberries lovers that I can tell you, YES, you can freeze blueberries. Due to the high content of moisture, blueberries freeze very well. By using only fresh blueberries and with proper storage, you can store the fruits for up to 1 year.
Don’t miss the blueberries when they are in season. You can easily store blueberries for later use. Blueberries can be frozen and stored for a long time. Preserve the blueberries and enjoy them when you need them.
Do Blueberries Freeze Well?
Yes, the blueberries freeze well due to their high moisture content.
Also, the freezer will determine how well the blueberries freeze. The temperature of the freezer should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The preservation is so simple, which you can do at home. No need for any acids or chemicals.
How to Freeze Blueberries
When it comes to blueberries, there is only one way of freezing them. Due to their delicate texture and high moisture content, you’ll need to flash freeze them first. That way, they won’t stick together during freezing.
Also, it will make it easier to remove them from the freezer.
Below are the steps to freezing blueberries:
Step 1: Don’t wash blueberries
Don’t wash blueberries before freezing to keep them of optimal quality. Yes, it seems to be unrealistic, but there is a reason for this. Blueberries have a waxy coating on their skins that is called the bloom. This bloom protects the blueberries from pest or bacterial attacks.
Rinsing can destroy the bloom, and you will not be able to perform the process smoothly. It’s best to wash your blueberries right before using them.
Step 2: Remove blueberries that are bad
Check the blueberries well, which they shouldn’t be wrinkled, have any blemishes, or soft spots. The ripened blueberries have a dark color and a juicy, wrinkle-free appearance.
To ensure the berries will last as long as possible, check the quality of each blueberry.
Step 3: Spread the blueberries on a tray
Don’t put the blueberries in bags directly. On a tray, place a sheet of baking or parchment paper. Then spread the blueberries in one layer on the tray.
Step 4: Flash Freezing
Place the berries into the freezer. Let it sit for about 2-3 hours, or until it’s completely frozen. This will prevent the blueberries from sticking to each other when it’s stored in the freezer.
Step 5: Freeze Bag Storage
Once it’s frozen, remove them from the freezer. Immediately transfer the frozen blueberries to a freezer bag.
Fill the berries into the bag and leave about 1 inch of space at the top of the bag. Then press on the bag to remove any excess air and seal it tightly.
Step 6: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write the content and date of freezing on the freezer bag. Then place the bag into the freezer for storage
How Long Can You Freeze Blueberries?
It is observed that blueberries can be frozen for about 10 to 12 months. People are still freezing Blueberries at home and also in stores.
For optimal quality and best taste, use blueberries within 6 months. However, it will still be fresh in 10 to 12 months. They don’t lose the taste within that time.
After 12 months, the blueberries will start to deteriorate in quality. The taste of it will not taste as fresh as it should. However, the berries will still be safe to use and eat after that time
How To Defrost Blueberries?
It’s easy to defrost them as you would freeze them. When you need to defrost frozen blueberries, simply put them in a bowl.
Leave it at room temperature until the blueberries defrost. Now you can rinse them with water and use it in baking, making a fruit drink, or eating them fresh.
If you’re not going to use the blueberries right away, place them in the fridge. The berries can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days after it’s thawed.
Can You Refreeze Blueberries?
Blueberries should not be frozen more than once. Freezing them multiple times will cause the texture to be altered. This will result in a loss of flavor when you’re ready to use them.
However, if you’ve brought out the blueberries from the freezer, and it has not thawed at all, you can refreeze them. The texture or flavor will not be changed.
Related Questions
Can you freeze blueberries on a large scale?
YES, you can use this method on a larger scale. Since blueberries only have one growing season, most manufacturers will freeze blueberries on a large scale to preserve them for use throughout the year.
Do frozen blueberries get mushy?
This is the only downside to freezing blueberries. This is due to the high moisture content of the fruit. As you thaw the blueberries, they will get mushy. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent it from happening, it’s just the way it is.
Since most baked goods and drinks don’t require fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries can still be used just like fresh ones.