How to properly freeze blueberries for the winter in the refrigerator: 5 freezing methods

Preparing blueberries for freezing

After picking or purchasing berries, they must be sorted. At the same time, all debris, leaves and, if found, parts of the stalks are carefully removed. The berries must be fresh and, of course, ripe. It is better to freeze as quickly as possible, since blueberries wither very quickly.

As for washing the berries before freezing, everyone decides for themselves. If you picked the berries yourself, then there is no need to worry and the berries can be safely frozen without prior washing.Moreover, if you plan to use blueberries in the future by subjecting them to heat treatment.

If you purchased the berries in a store or market, then it is still better to rinse them. But keep in mind that when washing the berries, they are subject to additional mechanical stress, which can cause them to become wrinkled or deformed. And there is no need for excess liquid when freezing.

If you still decide to wash blueberries, then you need to wash them in small portions in a large container with water, carefully transferring the washed berries to a colander. After this, lay the blueberries on paper towels and wait until they are thoroughly dry. The key to quality freezing is dry berries.

Five ways to freeze blueberries

Method one: freezing whole blueberries without sugar

This is the easiest way. Clean, sorted, and most importantly, completely dry berries are poured onto a plate or tray covered with cellophane or cling film. Place the container in the freezer to pre-freeze for at least 1 hour. After this, pour the blueberries into a bag, release the air from it and tie it tightly. Store in the refrigerator.

Method two: how to freeze whole blueberries with sugar

For this you will need containers and sugar. The ratio of berries and sugar is 2:1, respectively. The preparation of berries is standard - we sort and wash them, if necessary. Next, lay out the blueberries in layers, sprinkling them with sugar. We close the containers with lids and put them in the freezer.

Blueberries frozen in this way can be used to make dumplings, pies, jelly and fruit drinks.

Method three: how to freeze blueberry puree without sugar

This method is also not complicated, but it will require a little effort on your part to grind clean berries with a blender. Then the puree is put into plastic cups or small containers for one time use. The containers are tightly closed, you can use cling film for this, and go into the freezer.

Blueberries frozen in this way can be used to feed children. In this case, the berries must be punched with a blender as thoroughly as possible so that the skins are not felt.

Method four: how to freeze blueberry puree with sugar

This method produces practically frozen raw jam. The berries are mixed with sugar and pureed in a blender. If you want to get a sweet preparation, then take berries and sugar in a 1:1 ratio, and if it’s a little sour, then use a 2:1 ratio.

Next, the berries are frozen using the above-mentioned method in cups or portioned containers.

This preparation makes an excellent filling for pies, as well as a filling for desserts.

Method five: freezing blueberry juice

This method will preserve healthy blueberry juice for a long time. To do this, juice is squeezed out of the berries using any method familiar to you. Then it is poured into cups or small bottles and tightly closed with lids or cling film. The main thing is not to pour the juice to the very edge, since when frozen the juice will expand and may spill out.

How to defrost blueberries correctly

To preserve maximum nutrients, blueberries are frozen quickly, at maximum freezer power. Defrosting is carried out slowly. Place the required number of berries on a plate and place it on the bottom shelf of the main refrigerator compartment.After the blueberries have dried, the plate with the berries is removed from the refrigerator and allowed to warm up at room temperature.

If you plan to use frozen blueberries to prepare a hot dish, such as compote or pie, then pre-defrosting is not required.

Please note that re-freezing thawed blueberries is unacceptable.

See video: The Poddubny Family channel will tell you how to freeze blueberries for the winter.

Watch the video: KALYANYCH will show you a method for freezing blackcurrants and blueberries.