Do you know why people call blueberries a super fruit? Well, they are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. Many people want to reap the health benefits of blueberries all year long. However, they are seasonal fruits and in general, you can’t have them in all seasons.

On the other hand, when you freeze blueberries, you can eat them whenever you want to get the high levels of vitamins to boost your immune system and maintain your metabolism. Many people don’t know how to freeze blueberries the right way. This is why we are writing this article for those who want to freeze blueberries. Read on!

Step by step Procedure to freeze blueberries

In this section, we will tell you about the entire procedure – i.e. step by step from picking blueberries to freezing them – all the way to consuming them the right way.

Step 1: Pick Your Blueberries

For many people, it is simple to find a few boxes where you can store blueberries. If you are skillful, you can easily pick up and store blueberries. Many of us buy blueberries from the vegetables and fruits market.

Although it is good for many of you, the real fun is in picking up fresh blueberries from your farm. Here are a few ways to pick blueberries the right way. First, you need to check the farm and contact the owner to confirm the availability.

It is important to know that crops vary greatly every season in both quality and quantity because of the weather conditions and over-picking. Therefore, you must go to the farm early in the morning. We recommend you to go in hot weather – because it is where you can pick blueberries full of flavor.

Besides, we recommend you to have some containers where you can store blueberries. This, in particular, comes in handy when the farm does not provide you the containers for storing the picked blueberries. Don’t forget to wear a comfortable dress because having the best berries require you to reach them.

Step 2: Rinse and Arrange

The second step is to rinse the blueberries and arrange them properly. Use a colander to wash your blueberries. You can remove stems and leaves as well as other wildlife plant-based substances.

Once done, the next step is to pat dry your berries and arrange all of them in a single layer. You can use a baking sheet for the arrangement of berries. The baking sheet is good when it comes to fit flat in your refrigerator. We recommend you place a clean and dry dishtowel at the rear side of the try. This is a good way to make the berries not sticking to the tray.

Step 3: Put Blueberries in the Refrigerator

After arranging blueberries in the baking sheet, it is now time to put them in the freezer. Experts recommend placing them in a flat position against the shelf. This is important, especially to prevent them from rolling. More interestingly, allow the berries to touch one another. This means you should not pack them tightly.

You can stack multiple trays if you have a large number of berries. Make sure you pack them in a way that the cold air could easily move through. To create a gap, an expert way is to use a knife. So much so, wait for four hours. When you see the blueberries have been frozen, it is time to implement the next step.

Step 4: Fill Containers

After your blueberries have been frozen, the next step is to choose some containers where you can keep them in. Some people prefer plastic containers or refrigerator bags. However, we recommend you to use glass containers, which are more suitable for keeping them.

For instance, if you use plastic containers, make sure you use a straw. It is handy when it comes to sucking out excess air before you seal the plastic containers. This is good for avoiding freezer burn.

On the other hand, if you are using glass containers, make sure you avoid thawing contents. Many people do this by placing the glass container in boiling or hot water. Glass, usually, does not need treatment with boiling water. It is because the high temperature can break the glass. So, avoid this!

Moreover, if you have more berries that you want to freeze, then we suggest you balancing the trays. You can balance the trays on the containers. It is important to properly place all the trays and containers in the refrigerator to avoid any mishaps.

For instance, if someone opens the freezer door and the containers drop and hit the ground, all your hard work will go in vain. So, to avoid a mess, place the containers carefully. There is no room for mistakes in this case. Otherwise, your family members, especially, children can hurt themselves.

Step 5: Consume Frozen Berries

It is no surprise to tell you that blueberries can thaw quickly. There is no need for thawing your blueberries before you use them in your recipes. You can easily nudge apart the berries, which are stuck together. The best way to do this is by shaking the glass container. However, you should do this gently. Then, open the jar or container.

What to do with the frozen berries? This is an important question. Let us tell you. Some of the easiest things you can do with your blueberries are parfaits. You need yogurt, granola, and blueberries. Next, you will layer them in different quantities.

Moreover, you can make blueberry crisp, which is another recipe to consume this delicious fruit. You need ½ cup flour, ¾ cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup butter, ½ cup oats, and ¾ teaspoon cinnamon. To make blueberry crisp, first, you need to put them in the dish.

Next, you need to mix all other ingredients in a bowl. Use fork for mixing. Now, crumble the mixture over the berries. Once done, you can bake the mixture for 30 min in the oven at 375 degrees.

Conclusion

For some people, it is fairly an easy process to freeze blueberries. However, for many others, it is not easy. We think you need to work carefully so that you can store them adequately.

In summary, you need to pick blueberries at the farm or buy them at the fruits market. Next, you need to rinse and arrange them. After arranging them, it is important to use either plastic containers or glass containers to place them in.

Put the containers in the freezer and wait for 4-5 hours. Your blueberries will be frozen this way. Lastly, you can freeze them for a longer period.

Do you have to wash blueberries before freezing them?

Don’t wash the blueberries before freezing them. Yes, it sounds counterintuitive, but there’s a good reason for this. Blueberries have a natural waxy coating on their skins called the bloom. The bloom protects the blueberries from pests or bacteria, and it also helps them stay nice and juicy.

Can fresh blueberries be frozen?

Freezing fresh blueberries is as simple as the delicious little berries themselves. Just bring them home and pop them into the freezer! If you do prefer to rinse the blueberries first, be sure to dry well with paper towels, then transfer them to freezer containers or resealable plastic bags for freezing.

Do you need to wash blackberries before freezing?

Just before freezing, gently wash berries in cool water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove and discard stems, leaves, and any under-ripe or damaged fruit. No matter how you freeze ’em, we guarantee you‘ll never be tempted to buy bland again.

Are frozen blueberries mushy when thawed?

Thawing in the Microwave

Microwaving berries to defrost them is quick and easy. However, keep in mind that this method may leave the berries slightly mushy. If this doesn’t bother you with the way you are going to use the berries, then follow these instructions to thaw berries in the microwave.

How do you freeze blueberries so they don’t get mushy?

Freeze the berries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet so that they can freeze quickly and evenly. Once frozen, you can move them to a freezer-safe container with a lid for longer storage.

Does freezing blueberries destroy it antioxidants?

Freezing and drying are two possible methods to preserve blueberries but the severity of both processes might destroy anthocyanins or their antioxidant effects.

Is it OK to eat blueberries everyday?

According to a few studies, a bowl of blueberries can help in boosting immunity and can reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart diseases. Moreover, consuming a small portion of berries daily can help in strengthening the metabolism and prevent any kind of metabolic syndrome and deficiency.

Does freezing fruit destroy antioxidants?

That being said, some research also suggests that frozen produce may retain its antioxidant activity despite the loss of water-soluble vitamins ( 6 , 7 ). Bottom Line: Blanching results in a loss of antioxidants, B-vitamins and vitamin C. However, nutrient levels remain fairly stable after freezing.

Does washing blueberries remove antioxidants?

Blueberries can be frozen. Before freezing, wash, drain, and remove any damaged berries. When comparing the total antioxidant capacity of fresh versus frozen blueberries, 6 months of freezing (0°F/-18°C) were found to result in no decrease in overall antioxidant potential in this fruit.

What is the best way to wash blueberries?

To ensure that berries are perfectly clean, dip them in a 3:1 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar. This not only washes the berries thoroughly, but it also extends their shelf life. Avoid soaking the berries in the vinegar and water mixture as berries will begin to absorb the vinegar flavor.

What’s the best way to wash blueberries?

Place berries in a colander (strainer) and dip the colander in a larger bowl of cold water. (Because blueberries are so delicate, running them under the water may cause breakage) Swish the berries around and drip dry! REMEMBER- Make sure to rinse berries ‘as you go’…

What is the healthiest part of a blueberry?

Therefore, the outer layer of the berry is the most nutritious part (18). Blueberries are rich in beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants — especially anthocyanins — which may account for many of their health benefits.

How many blueberries should I eat daily?

Summary: Eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease — according to a new study. Eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15 per cent.

Do blueberries help with inflammation?

Blueberries, an Antioxidant Superfood

Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory.

Do blueberries help you lose weight?

Blueberries boast lots of nutrients, which helps them fight fat by boosting your metabolism and efficiently burning calories. And since they’re brimming with fiber, they’ll help keep you satisfied.

What fruits burn belly fat fast?

Here are some fruits that are known to cut belly fat:
  • Apple. Fresh and crunchy apples are packed with healthy flavonoids and fibres that may help burn belly fat.
  • Tomato. The tangy goodness of tomato may do wonders to cut your belly fat.
  • Guava.
  • Strawberries.
  • Kiwi.

Are blueberries a laxative?

Berries. Most varieties of berries are relatively high in fiber, making them a great choice as a mild natural laxative. Strawberries contain 3 grams of fiber per cup (152 grams), blueberries provide 3.6 grams of fiber per cup (148 grams) and blackberries boast 7.6 grams of fiber per cup (144 grams) (10, 11, 12).

Can I eat too many blueberries?

Yes, it is possible to overdo it on the fruit, especially if you’re attached to your juicer or blender. For the most part, however, whole, fresh fruit is a healthful component of any diet, as long as it is enjoyed in some amount of moderation.