Freezing Fresh Blueberries
By Eileen Majors
Choose Benefits of Fresh:
I love to find beautiful, fresh blueberries, especially when I find them on sale or better yet, at a local Farmers’ Market. Blueberries are considered a superfood. They have high levels of antioxidants, vitamins (C, K), minerals (manganese), and fiber. Don’t let any spoil in the refrigerator. Freeze them.
More Blueberry Benefits:
They also deliver benefits for brain health and heart function while offering benefits for reducing inflammation and thus the risk for disease. Their deep blue color comes from anthocyanin. It contains powerful plant compounds linked to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects. These effects may protect against heart disease, diabetes, cancer and cognitive decline. Blueberries are a nutrient-dense addition to any diet. Mayo Clinic’s article, The Power of Blueberries shares even more on this super power.
With all that and also being low in calories, it’s great not to have to waste any. Therefore, try my method for freezing fresh blueberries. This method of freezing fresh blueberries leaves you able to scoop out just the right amount needed for your recipes. (Sprinkle into your favorite cereal, top a frosted cake. and, of course, use in the batter for our gluten-free blueberry muffins recipe.
DIRECTIONS For Freezing Fresh Blueberries:
In a colander, carefully rinse fresh blueberries in small batches (up to 1/2 cup). Lay out on paper towels to dry. Using cookie sheet(s) or pans that will fit into the freezer; lay blueberries out on pan(s) in one single layer, Dedicate flat space in the freezer where you can place the pan(s), where they will fit. Do not stack them on top of each other. Freeze berries for about one hour, to be sure they’re frozen solid. Then, use a sturdy spatula to scrape frozen blueberries off the cookie sheets and into a freezer bag or container. (I’d always rather choose glass, stackable containers with lids.) Place immediately into freezer until you’re ready to use them. This way, you can scoop them out in the measurements you need. With luck, you’ll find this method as useful as I do.