Freezing Blueberries for Smoothies and Baking

Fresh blueberries are versatile little fruits packed with antioxidants and vibrant flavor, making them a fantastic addition to smoothies, baked goods, and desserts.

During blueberry season, we love to stock up on fresh blueberries.

Freezing fresh fruit when it’s in season allows you to preserve its freshness and enjoy it all year long. (I love to freeze raspberries, strawberries, and cherries when they are in season as well!)

Selecting and Preparing Blueberries

Choose Ripe Blueberries

Select plump, firm blueberries that are fully ripe. Ripe blueberries are deep blue in color with a dusty white coating known as bloom.

Do You Need to Wash Blueberries Before Freezing Them?

While opinions vary, it’s generally recommended to wash blueberries before freezing to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticide residues.

However, some argue that washing can cause the berries to absorb excess moisture, leading to freezer burn.

If you choose to wash them, rinse them gently in a colander with cold water, then spread them out on a towel. Pat dry with paper towels and make sure to let them dry completely before freezing.

Spread Blueberries on a Baking Sheet

After washing and drying the berries, spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This allows them to freeze individually, preventing the blueberries from sticking together.

How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries

Flash Freeze

Place the baking sheet of blueberries in the freezer and let them freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm to the touch and frozen solid.

Transfer the Blueberries to Freezer Bags

Once the blueberries are completely frozen, transfer them into resealable plastic ziplock bags or reusable Stasher bags. Portion them into smaller, measured batches if desired for easier use later on.

Squeeze Out Air

Press out as much air as possible from the freezer bags before sealing them tightly. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the quality of the blueberries. You can also use a vacuum sealer to package them in smaller batches to save for later use.

Label and Date

Don’t forget to label the ziplock bags with the date of freezing. This ensures you can keep track of their freshness and use them within a reasonable time frame.

Storage and Shelf Life

Frozen blueberries can be stored in the freezer for up to 10-12 months. Properly stored blueberries maintain their quality and flavor for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy them in various recipes throughout the year.

Ways to Use Frozen Blueberries

Smoothies

Frozen blueberries add a refreshing burst of flavor and color to smoothies. I love to use them in Triple Berry Smoothies, Blueberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothies, and Blueberry Lemon Smoothies. Simply add them directly to the blender along with your favorite fruits, greens, and liquid for a nutritious and delicious drink.

You can also use frozen blueberries to make blueberry popsicles.

Baking and Cooking

Frozen blueberries can be used in a wide range of recipes, including blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, cobbler, blueberry pie, sauces, and blueberry jam.

They retain their shape and flavor when baked or cooked, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. (Don’t defrost the blueberries when making cakes and muffins – they will soften as they bake.)

Sugar Pack Blueberries: Freezing Blueberries with Sugar

I normally freeze fruit without sugar, but if you intend to make jam with some of your berries, you can sugar pack some of the fruit by measuring out about 1 quart of blueberries and sprinkling 3/4 of a cup of sugar over them. (I use these 16-ounce freezer-safe containers – they look like Chinese food containers but the plastic doesn’t get brittle when frozen.)

Toss the berries and gently mash them until they start to release some juice and the sugar is dissolved, then freeze the mixture in a bag or container. Label and use these berries for making jam, preserves, or pie later in the year when you can’t get fresh berries.

You can also pack crushed blueberries without sweetener in small containers to use for making jam or pie filling.

Freezing blueberries is a simple and effective way to preserve their freshness and enjoy them in your favorite recipes year-round.

Whether you’re blending them into a refreshing smoothie or baking them into a dessert, frozen blueberries add a burst of flavor and nutrition to any dish. You can use them from frozen, so there’s no need to thaw – so stock up on frozen blueberries and enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of blueberries whenever you desire.

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and rating below. I love hearing from you.