Blueberries are in peak season during the months of July and August. Depending on the weather conditions, the season can vary in each city or province. We are fortunate to live in an area with abundance of local farms, making it easy to shop for blueberries and strawberries. My family loves blueberries quite a lot. I always make sure to pick a few lbs to freeze, so that we can enjoy them all winter and spring. They taste good and they’re good for you. Our dog loves blueberries, too. I have two small blueberry plants at home but they only give a handful a season.
Packed with antioxidants and coined as one of the healthiest foods around, this “superfood” is loaded with special nutrients and amino acids. With fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and low sugar, blueberries are a perfect sweet treat for the summertime especially a few frozen ones on hot days. Freezing blueberries is quick and easy, but there are different ways of freezing. Some say to lay out on cookie sheets, freeze and then add to bags, and others say to add sugar, and then freeze. The method that I use to freeze is quite simple. It works beautifully and I have fresh, local blueberries for 6-8 months. They can be incorporated into all kinds of desserts and baking.
Should you wash blueberries before freezing ?
You’ll have to decide for yourself people but I don’t wash blueberries until I’m ready to eat it .
Why not?
Blueberries are soft and delicate. Washing puncture the skin of the berries, changing the texture and causing freezer burn. They should not be washed until right before eating.
What is the easy method to freeze?
- Buy or pick farm fresh berries.
- Pick out and remove any bits of stems, leaves and shriveled or moldy berries.
- Place the berries in the water resistant cardboard box (not plastic container). Securely wrap the box in a dry towel and store them in the freezer.
That’s all you do. Wasn’t it easy?
Wrapping the box in the towel minimizes the air contact with the berries and avoid freezer burn. They will never clump together, but rather freeze individually and turn into gorgeous marbles. You’ll be happily spooning out single-servings of blueberries in yogurt, cereal, pancakes, crepes, smoothies and many other recipes.
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Note: If you use plastic container there will be some ice crystals.
Ingredients
- 1 box of fresh dry blueberries
Instructions
- Choose berries that are firm and fully ripe.
- Spread the blueberries on a rimmed baking sheet
- Pick out and remove any bits of stems, leaves and shriveled or moldy berries.
- Put them back in the original container or freezer safe cardboard box. Securely wrap in a dry towel and place it on the freezer shelf.
- When it's time to use give them a quick rinse in the colander and enjoy in any of the recipes.
Notes
If you prefer to wash the berries before freezing then dry them well.
I am linking this post to cookblogshare and cookonceeattwice.
Priya @currynation
You guys are blessed with berries I must say., I wish to find blueberries in india:)
Angie@Angie's Recipes
Cool that you have some homegrown blueberries! Thanks for sharing, Balvinder.
marcie
Your dog is so cute! Blueberries are my favorite berry and this is a great tutorial!
Rebecca - Glutarama
Okay, first off….I LOVE YOUR DOG XXX
Secondly, I’d ever have though to freeze blueberries but this is a brilliant idea. They tend to be a bit pricey in the UK so I only buy when on special offer but with your tips I’ll buy in bulk when cheaper and freeze them – so thank you, you’ve saved me money.
Blackswan
Gosh, your dog is so cute!
Great tips there! I freeze my blueberries too, but a celebrity chef once taught us that we should always wash our fruits before freezing to get rid of any bacteria and pesticide residue, & I’ve been practising this since. I use a vegetable rinse to soak my blueberries before freezing them actually, & they turned out beautiful each time.
Balvinder
I wash them as well but not before freezing.
Blackswan
I’ve been advised to wash before freezing. Not sure if it’s the best advice tho. Same with eggs; I learnt somewhere that we should wash them before putting them in the fridge……
Balvinder
I have seen many sources mention to was the eggs before putting in the fridge. I only clean those eggs which are visibly soiled however if I am boiling I’ll wash all.
Corina Blum
What a gorgeous little dog! I love blueberries and I’m always eating them but I’ve never frozen them before – I’ll have to try your tips soon. Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice!
Emma - Bake Then Eat
I love that your dog is enjoying those fresh blueberries 😀