How to Freeze Blueberries (Without Sugar)

Blueberries are one of the best fruits. It’s a berry with multiple health properties and it is juicy and delicious. Blueberries make a great treat, particularly in the summertime. 

Blueberries can even be used for dyeing items or craft projects because of their intense blue or purple coloring. They have been known to stain a finger or two when you are snacking on them. 

If you’re familiar with superfoods, blueberries fall into that category. This is because of the natural health benefits that blueberries can provide. You might be surprised at just how good for you eating blueberries can be, not to mention the fact that they are sweet and delicious. 

So how do you freeze blueberries without sugar? The trick to freezing blueberries without sugar is to let them dry completely after washing them, then freeze them individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before transferring them to an airtight container for long-term storage.  

We encourage you to continue reading to find out everything you need to know about blueberries and how to freeze them without using added sugar. 

Freezing Sweet Blueberries

Blueberries are unique berries. They are perfectly small and round, simple to just pop in your mouth and savor the flavor. They make a great snack, dessert, or meal. You can also make several types of foods with blueberries, which makes them extremely versatile. 

Blueberry Facts

Blueberries have a lot of hidden benefits packed into that tiny little blue gem. They are incredibly low in calories and natural sugars and are one of the healthiest treats you can possibly reach for and they are relatively inexpensive. 

Blueberries stretch far and you don’t have to have very many in one setting to feel satisfied. There are a lot of things you can do with blueberries if you want to make muffins, pies, or other treats. 

Blueberries are packed full of healthful qualities, here is a list of a few:

• High in multiple vitamins (Fiber, Vitamins C & K, Manganese, etc.)
• Low in carbohydrates, sugars, and calories
• Rich in antioxidants
• Protects from DNA damage, which could reduce your risk of cancer
• Helps keep cholesterol low
• Improve memory and brain function
• Helps to fight urinary tract infections and promote gut health
• Anti-inflammatory, great for inflammatory ailments or after a strenuous workout
• Beneficial to diabetic blood sugar levels
• Maintain heart health and reduce heart disease risk
• Maintain and reduce blood pressure levels

These are just a few of the most commonly known facts about blueberries and what they can do for your health. These facts have scientific backing to go with them. There are many more benefits that are associated with blueberries and other dark berries that make them a great thing to keep on hand. 

Before we get into the details of freezing blueberries, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons that you might be able to expect in the process. We provide this information to inform you of the best that we can about the important details. 

Pros to Freezing Blueberries

• Buy bulk or grow your own and store them away.
• Preserve for extended periods of time to be used at your convenience.
• Blueberries taste great straight out of the freezer.
• Blueberries stay fresh in the freezer for about 12 months.
• You do not have to add sugar or any other preserving agent to freeze your blueberries.
• Simple to freeze.

Cons to Freezing Blueberries

• Blueberries should be dry when you freeze them.
• Best results come with a 2-step freezing process.
• If you’re going to freeze them, it’s best to do so when they are pretty fresh.
• It is questioned whether freezing blueberries could potentially reduce some of the health benefits they offer. 

Freezing blueberries is rather simple and it requires very little equipment to do so. However, be aware that the process for freezing blueberries is slightly more involved than simply tossing blueberries into a bag and throwing them in the freezer. 

In order to ensure that your blueberries do not smash or get mushy, there is a recommended 2-step process to follow to best freeze the blueberries. There are some specific tips that you should follow to ensure the best results. 

We assure you that if you follow the guidelines we detail for you in the following section, you will be glad that you took the time to save those blueberries and have them available for them when you need them most! 

Your taste buds and your health will probably thank you later. 

A Detailed Guide to Freezing Blueberries

If you found yourself buying a large batch of blueberries that you just know you won’t be able to eat before they go bad or if you grew your own blueberries and had a bountiful harvest, we’re here to help you. 

There are options to save those blueberries and put them away for that rainy day, or that sweet tooth as well as many other options. You can eat your frozen blueberries straight from the freezer, toss them into oatmeal or on pancakes, or you can even turn them into a fresh blueberry pie. 

Storing Blueberries

These are just a few of the ideas of things you can do with blueberries, but we’re sure you know that you have plenty of options. Let’s talk about storing those blueberries. 

You can store blueberries in your fridge for a limited time. It is recommended that when you store them in the fridge you refrain from washing them until you’re ready to eat or use them. They also should be stored somewhere near the middle of the fridge and not in the coldest area or crisper drawer. 

Blueberries can typically last for quite a while in the fridge, potentially up to 2 weeks if you store them properly and wait to rinse them until you use them. But if you’re looking for a long-term storage solution, freezing is the way to go. 

How to Freeze Blueberries

As we mentioned before, freezing blueberries does not have to be a challenging task, but be sure to follow all of the steps and tricks that we provide to preserve your blueberries the best without the risk of compromising taste or other properties. 

1. Prior to freezing, you can rinse your blueberries to prepare them. This is optional but is recommended so you do not need to rinse after freezing. 
2. Your berries need to be dry to freeze so either let them air dry or use a towel and dry them well. Use a towel that you are not worried about staining as the blueberries could potentially stain the towel. 
3. Line a baking sheet or flat pan with parchment paper.
4. Spread the blueberries in a single layer over the baking sheet. Use more than one if necessary. 
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and pre-freeze the blueberries. This process takes 2-3 hours and is essential to avoid smashing your blueberries in the freezing process. 
6. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and transfer the blueberries into storage containers or freezer bags. 
7. Store the freezer bags or containers of blueberries in the freezer for up to 1 year. 
8. When you’re ready, remove and proceed to use and enjoy!

Defrosting or Using Blueberries After Freezing

We have great news for you. This part is the best part of freezing blueberries. It’s so simple and it means you can use your frozen blueberries whenever and however you please!

There are a couple of ways to use blueberries after freezing. There are no specific steps to follow but rather multiple options you can try out or use as you please. 

1. Take the blueberries directly from the freezer to your preferred method. Add to oatmeal, use for toppings, or eat them by themselves frozen. 
2. Place the blueberries in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes and the berries will be thawed without becoming soggy or mushy. 
3. You can also microwave your blueberries to defrost and use. Microwaving will significantly soften your blueberries and potentially make them mushy. Depending on what you are using them for this may not be a big deal. They will only need to be microwaved for 30-45 seconds. 

As you can see, freezing your blueberries and then using them is so simple. Blueberries are too great of a food option to pass up the opportunity to save some for later! 

Related Questions

We hope that you have found this guide to be a useful tool to help you understand blueberries and the process of freezing them. We invite you to check out the question-and-answer section for some additional information. 

Do I Have to Thaw Frozen Blueberries for Baking Recipes?

This could potentially vary based on the recipe you are using, but typically the answer is no. You can take your blueberries directly from the freezer to your recipe and have great results. 

Should You Wash Blueberries After Freezing?

If you washed your blueberries prior to freezing it is not necessary to wash them again. If you did not, try the thawing trick by soaking them in cold water or simply run the frozen blueberries under cold water in a strainer to clean them.