Freezing is the best way to preserve in-season berries, and in this post, I share grandma’s tried and true method for freezing blueberries so you can enjoy them for months to come.
Instead of packing them into a zip bag and calling it a day, I’ll show you a better method with the help of some parchment paper and a baking sheet that will keep the berries fresh longer. Let’s get to it.
Can You Freeze Fresh Blueberries?
Freezing blueberries is an excellent way to preserve their nutritional value and flavor, and have them on hand whenever you need them for a recipe!
With the steps below, you’ll prevent freezer burn or having them turn into a solid block of berries, making them not as optimal to use when you need their texture and feel intact.
The Best Way to Freeze Blueberries in a Zip Bag
Before you simply throw the blueberries straight into a zip bag, read the steps below for the best way to freeze blueberries so they don’t clump together.
- Clean the berries
Place the berries into a colander or salad spinner and remove any tiny stems. - Rinse with water
Wash the berries with cold water and gently shake the colander, so they aren’t smashed. - Air-dry
Let the berries air-fry on a large kitchen towel. - Flash freeze
Transfer the berries to a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. *The parchment paper prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet. - Seal and store
Place the frozen berries in a freezer-safe zip bag, remove excess air, and seal. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Love visuals? Watch the entire process in this quick video:
Curious to know what other foods you can freeze? I have a running list with everything from milk to eggs, sandwiches, and fully prepared meals.
How Long Can You Freeze Blueberries
Frozen berries stay good for up to 3 months when properly frozen and packed. A heavy-duty zip bag or container is key to protecting the berries from freezer burn.
Keeping Frozen Blueberries from Getting Mushy
After washing, making sure the blueberries are fully dry is one of the secrets to preventing them from getting mushy; the other is flash-freezing them on a baking sheet before placing them in the zip bag.
This way, the individual berries will freeze solid and won’t stick to each other inside the zip bag or container, which is often the culprit of mushy frozen berries.
How to Use Frozen Blueberries
Frozen blueberries can be used in any recipe the same way you’d use fresh berries. From smoothies and baked goods to fresh fruit salads, frozen blueberries can be enjoyed in a variety of ways!
Use your frozen blueberries in one of these recipes:
How to Freeze Blueberries
Ingredients
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Salad spinner
- Freezer bags
- 1 pint blueberries
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lable a quart-size freezer bag with the date.
- Place the berries in a colander or salad spinner. Check for small wooden stems and remove them when necessary.
- Rinse the berries with cold water and gently shake the colander or spinner to prevent the berries from getting smashed.
- Place the berries on a large kitchen towel and allow them to air-dry.
- Transfer the berries to the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Place the frozen berries in the freezer bag, remove excess air, and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Mike Chernosky
Blueberries on parchment paper I like that….