How to freeze blueberries?

Question

Is there an "appropriate" way to freeze blueberries?

Can I just put them is a ziplock back, suck out the air, and toss them in the freezer, or should I put them in some sort of syrup or something?

Will they be the same when they are thawed? Is it more advisable just to try to eat them up (make breads with them, etc, that WILL keep for a few weeks)?

(they are ridiculously cheap right now)

Answer 1

Spread them one layer thick on a baking sheet and freeze them like that.  Then put them into whatever airtight container or bag you will be storing them in.  Depending on how cold your freezer is they might not change much when they defrost or they could be mushy.

Answer 2

Frozen blueberries are great to eat out of hand!  The low price is an added bonus!

To freeze:  Use a jelly roll pan (the one with sides) and spread a whole layer of washed and dried (just put them on a kitchen towel to absorb the water) blueberries on the pan.  Stick it in the freezer and freeze the berries whole, no additives.  When they are frozen solid, carefully put them in a glass jar and fill it to the top.  If there is air space, crumple up some wax paper or plastic wrap to fill the air space.  Keep them frozen and your berries will be great!  The jar works best to protect them from being squished in Ziploc in the freezer.  This also will give you the best quality berry when you defrost them.  They are not going to be like fresh, but they will not be squish either.

Answer 3

Honestly, I just put them in a freezer bag, let out the air, and put it in the freezer. Nothing fancy. I do this with strawberries too when I can get them $1 for a  1 lb clamshell. When they thaw they'll get a little syrupy...they wont be firm and such as 'fresh' ones, but you can still throw them in muffins, pancakes, smoothies, etc. (I use them in my protein shakes)  And they are as good as the day you freezed them! I love great sales, and this is a great way to have healthy food on the cheap. (They dont lose their nutritional values from the freezing.) So good luck!

Answer 4

How to freeze blueberries

For the best results, extra berries should be frozen as soon as possible. Once they begin to soften, it is impossible to bring them back.

Wash your blueberries lightly before freezing. (Frozen berries are more fragile than fresh ones, so you absolutely will not want to wash them afterwards.)

Fill a large bowl or tub with cool water, and gently bob the berries in it. Pick out any leaves, stems, and soggy or spoiled berries.

Lay two layers of soft paper toweling on a counter or table. Drain berries, and spread them out in a single layer. Blot tenderly with additional paper towels.

Line a jelly roll pan or baking sheet with waxed paper. Place blueberries on waxed paper in a single layer. Freeze until firm (or overnight).

Pour frozen berries gently into plastic freezer containers or zippered bags. (Look for freezer bags, rather than plain plastic bags, as these heavier ones protect best against freezer burn.) Gently squeeze all extra air out of the bags before sealing, without pressing on your sweet berries.

Label bags or containers with contents and date. Frozen blueberries can last six months to a year, certainly long enough to last until the next picking season!

Answer 5

Yes you can freeze blueberries, and zip lock bags work fine. They don't taste as good raw once they have been frozen. I use frozen one's in blueberry pies and muffins. If you have the time why not make blueberry jam with some.