The Right Way to Freeze Blueberries to Keep Them Ripe and Juicy

Summer fruit like blueberries is a precious thing, so it only makes sense to spend the season eating as much of it as possible—and turning it into jams and preserves to enjoy later. But if canning isn’t your thing, don't fret—freezing blueberries is a great way to preserve them so you can eat them long after their season has passed.

Blueberries might not be the most attention-grabbing fruit of the season (we’re looking at you, peaches and sour cherries), but they are endlessly popular and extremely versatile. Whether you're tossing a handful onto a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt or stirring a cup or two into a batch of homemade muffins, they can bring sweet, summery flavor. Plus, they are packed with health benefits. Learn how to freeze blueberries so you can make the most of them while they are at their best.

Choosing Ripe Blueberries to Freeze

The reason frozen produce that you purchase at the grocery store always tastes so consistently delicious is that the fruits and vegetables are flash-frozen when they are in season. The same can be replicated at home when produce is at its peak. Here’s what to look for when purchasing a pint of blueberries. 

• Deep blue, even color: Blueberries should have a deep, almost navy blue hue. They should also be quite uniform in color. A few red or white patches on a handful of berries in the bunch is fine, but for the most part, avoid ones that aren’t blue all the way through—that means they aren’t ripe!
• Firm, plump texture: Good blueberries should have a similar feel to a firm, juicy grape, with a tight skin. Avoid any berries that look soft or shriveled.

How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries

Blueberries are simple to freeze. While some fruits and vegetables require blanching before freezing to preserve the best texture and prevent spoilage, this is not the case with blueberries, says Donald Schaffner, professor and extension specialist in food science at Rutgers University. He notes there are two important things to keep in mind when freezing blueberries. 

Make Sure They Are Clean and Dry

Washing blueberries is always a good idea, as it can remove bacteria and unwanted dirt and grime. Blueberries have a dusty coating that you want to keep intact so you don't need to overwash them. Give the berries a good rinse, then pat them very dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. “Keeping them dry will stop them from freezing to each other and turning into a frozen block,” explains Schaffner. 

Freeze In Single Layers

Ideally, the blueberries should be frozen as quickly as possible, and doing so in small or shallow containers is the best way. We spread the clean, dry berries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid. This is a home version of IQF, or Individual Quick Freezing, a method used in the food processing industry where foods are frozen in just a few short minutes. While it’s not possible to replicate this process exactly at home, freezing the berries in small batches will help preserve their flavor and texture much more similarly to IQF. It also prevents them from clumping, meaning you can remove just as many blueberries as you need rather than having to defrost all of them at one time.

Once the blueberries are frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe containers. Make sure they are airtight, as exposure to oxygen will make them deteriorate much more quickly.

How Long Frozen Blueberries Last

If frozen and stored properly, blueberries can last in the freezer for up to one year. The most important thing to ensure the berries last is a consistent freezer temperature. Sudden temperature changes that cause them to thaw slightly and then re-freeze will inevitably spoil frozen fruit.

How to Thaw Frozen Blueberries

Schaffner says that there are two very safe ways to thaw frozen blueberries: in the microwave on a defrost setting or in the refrigerator overnight.