How to Freeze Blueberries

Blueberries are known as 'super fruits', as they are rich in antioxidants. If you know the art of freezing blueberries, you will be able to enjoy these super fruits all through the year. You can take advantage of the time when they are cheap and store them. There are two main methods which can be used to store the blueberries. You can either choose to freeze the berries or use the canning method. However, the canning method is a time-consuming method, as it will require jars, lids, pressure cooker, etc. At the same time the jars, lids, etc. will have to be boiled and sterilized. Once you start freezing the blueberries at home, you will not want to turn towards commercially frozen blueberries.

Tips to Freeze Blueberries

The answer to the question, "what is the best way to freeze blueberries" is rather tricky. As there is no right or wrong method to freeze the berries. Using the different methods, you will be able to freeze and store the berries. The difference will lie when you have to remove them from the freezer for further use. In a number of freezing methods the berries stick to one another to become one hard lump, which can be difficult to retrieve.

Select the 'Right' Blueberries
Selecting the right blueberries is an important step when you have to freeze the berries. If there is a farm closer to you, then you may want to choose the fresh berries from the farm itself. Make sure there are no mushy berries. This is often the case when the berries are on sale. Choose ones which are plump and have good color. The quantity of the berries is also important. Do not be over ambitious and get a huge bulk of berries home.

Dry the Blueberries
Gently wash the blueberries. To drain them completely, place the berries in a large sieve or on a cotton cloth. Remove all the water from the berries and make sure they have dried completely. Some methods will ask of you not to wash them, but when the blueberries are thawed, you may find it difficult to wash them. The important part is to dry the berries completely, when you want to freeze them.

Place Them in Container
The next step is to place the blueberries in a container. Spread them on the container in a single layer. This will make sure the berries do not stick to one another and form a large lump. If you do not have sufficient place in the freezer to place the container, then you can place them in a bag as well, but the berries may stick to one another in that case.

Freeze Them
After you have placed the berries in the container, cover the container and place it in the coldest part of the freezer. Leave the berries in the freezer overnight, better would be for a day. When the berries are placed in the freezer overnight, the berries will freeze completely.

Transfer the Blueberries
After the berries are frozen, remove them from the container or the tray and place them in a vacuum seal bag. And then remove all the air from the bag. Vacuum sealing will ensure that the blueberries are stored properly in the freezer and do not go bad. Place the vacuum sealed bags in the coldest part of the freezer again.

Now you know how to freeze blueberries, is your next question - how to use the frozen blueberries? When you want to use the blueberries, remove them from the freezer and thaw them completely either in the refrigerator or on the counter. After they are thawed, wash them with plain water. If any of the berries have become mushy remove them and the remaining are ready for use. Since you're going to freeze the berries, you will be able to reap the blueberries health benefits all through the year, and you will not have to rely on commercially frozen blueberries.