How to Freeze Blueberries Properly {Clean & Easy}
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Blueberries are one of the best berries to freeze because they freeze so well and can then be added to muffins, scones, milkshakes, and so much more! Learn how to freeze blueberries quickly and easily to enjoy blueberry season all winter long.
I mean what I say — blueberries are the easiest fruit to freeze. They’re not nearly as delicate as raspberries or blackberries, although you follow the same process. Give ’em a quick rinse, dry them off, freeze them on trays, then store.
It’s super easy, and it’s the main way I preserve 10-20 pounds of blueberries every summer! I started doing this when I worked as a berry picker on local farms, and it really works well with lots of fruits and veggies.
As long as you have a little freezer space, this is an easy method anyone can do even when you’re pooped from the busyness of summer (that’s the best part!).
Learn more about how to buy local produce on a budget and my favorite places to buy bulk produce for freezing, dehydrating, canning, and more!
Equipment
To freeze your own blueberries, you’ll need:
- Colander
- Clean kitchen towel(s)
- Sheet pan
- Silicone liner or parchment paper
- Freezer bags or containers
Pro tip
To freeze berries without spending a small fortune, I highly recommend visiting a U-pick farm. You pay a little less by doing the work yourself, and it’s a fun day out in the sun.
You can also look for flat or half-flat pricing at local farms. Depending on your area, this may be pricey or affordable. Offer to help work at a farm in exchange for berries or a cheaper price.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh blueberries – It’s a good rule of thumb to only use the best quality berries. Use fresh, firm berries, and pick out any mushy, moldy berries. If there are stems or dried flowers attached to the berries, remove them.
Can you freeze blueberries without sheet pans?
Yes. Blueberries can be frozen in plastic clamshells or even cardboard cups from the farmer’s markets, but that usually means you aren’t washing and drying the berries. (I did this for years, so I get it.)
Rinsing the berries to remove pollen, dirt, germs, and debris is much more hygienic. I only ever freeze clean blueberries these days, and it’s worth the minimal amount of effort.
If you have your own blueberry bushes and aren’t worried about germs and bugs, then do your own thing.
How to Freeze Blueberries
1. Rinse your fresh berries under cold water, then arrange them on a clean dish towel to air dry for several hours. (This will remove pollen, dirt, and debris, and once dried, the berries will not stick to each other in the bag.)
2. Arrange clean berries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
3. Place the entire tray in the freezer for an hour or two to freeze the berries solid.
4. Remove the frozen berries from the freezer and transfer them to an airtight container, like vacuum seal bags, freezer-safe zip-top bags, etc.
5. Label and freeze for 6 months to 1 year. Use as desired.
Storing Suggestions
I’ve tried lots of different storage containers. The best way to prevent freezer burn is to use a vacuum sealer. They will keep your frozen blueberries fresh for 1-2 years! Other containers, like Ziploc bags or freezer-safe containers, usually last about 6 months before the berries take on that icy, freezer-burnt appearance (and taste).
Tips & Variations
- This method works with other berries. This is how I freeze raspberries, blackberries, cherry tomatoes, and more.
- Measure out your bags to be consistent in size. I don’t always do this, but it’s nice if you have a recipe that calls for 2 or 4 cups of blueberries.
- Freeze a little or a lot. I usually like to pick large quantities of blueberries all at once and then freeze several batches on trays. You can, however, freeze just a cup or two at a time. This method is great for any excess of blueberries, whether that’s a lot or a little.
- Make a DIY vacuum sealer. Squeeze as much air out of the bags as possible to minimize freezer burn. Place a straw in the top of the bag and seal all around it. Suck as much air out of the bag as you can, then very quickly remove the straw and seal the bag. This will work almost as well as a vacuum sealer without requiring you to buy any new gadgets.
How to Use Frozen Blueberries
Use them just like frozen blueberries from the store! Add them to smoothies, milkshakes, muffins, scones, overnight oats, quick breads, pie filling, and more. They’re absolutely perfect for blueberry pancakes! These are some of my favorite blueberry recipes:
FAQs
Yes, blueberries freeze very well! They’re my favorite berry to freeze because they’re so neat and tidy. Once frozen, the berries can then be added to anything and used like fresh blueberries, although they do become soft and juicy after thawing. This is great for adding them to yogurt, overnight oats, and a variety of other recipes, though.
For baking, frozen blueberries will add a little extra moisture, which can make your blueberry scones or muffins a little mushy, but it helps to toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the dough. Keep ’em cold all the way up until you need to bake them, too.
Yep! If you go berry picking and have a bunch of different types of berries, rinse them off, dry them, and freeze on sheet pans just like the blueberries. Strawberries should be dehulled and usually sliced in half (although that part is optional). This is a fun way to make your own frozen mixed berries!
I’ve frozen a lot of berries and different storage methods. If you want to eat the berries in the next 6 months or so, store them in any plastic bag or zip-top bag you like. If you want them to last a whole year, use a freezer-safe bag.
For longer storage, vacuum seal the berries. This method works incredibly well, and I’ve had berries stay fresh for up to 2 years this way!
Related Recipes
- How to Freeze Raspberries
- Freezing Blackberries and Marionberries
- How to Freeze Jalapenos
- Freezing Garlic Scapes
- How to Freeze Fresh Cranberries
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How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries
Equipment
- Colander
- Clean kitchen towels
- Sheet pan
- silicone liner or parchment paper
- Freezer bags or containers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh blueberries, or any quantity
Instructions
- Rinse your fresh berries under cold water, then arrange them on a clean dish towel to air dry for several hours. (This will remove pollen, dirt, and debris, and once dried, the berries will not stick to each other in the bag.)
- Arrange clean berries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Place the entire tray in the freezer for an hour or two to freeze the berries solid.
- Remove the frozen berries from the freezer and transfer them to an airtight container, like vacuum seal bags, freezer-safe zip-top bags, etc.
- Label and freeze for 6 months to 1 year. Use as desired.
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