How to store and freeze blueberries

Blueberries are in peak season in Australia between October and February. A fresh handful of blueberries is a fantastic addition to your diet thanks to its super antioxidant properties, so while they’re so bountiful and affordable, we always make sure to have a punnet or two in the fridge either to eat fresh or to use in recipes.

How do you pick good blueberries?

When selecting blueberries from the grocery store, look for blueberries that are a deep purple colour and look nice and plump. Avoid any with wrinkled skin, redness or any punnets that appear damp or wet.

Size doesn't indicate maturity or ripeness, so you can choose larger or smaller berries depending on what you prefer.

Blueberries have a natural ‘bloom’ on their surface which looks pale and silvery, this is a good thing that helps to keep the blueberries fresh.

How to store blueberries

Keep blueberries in the fridge in the container they come in. You can line the container with a paper towel to ensure the berries stay dry. It’s actually better to keep them out of the chiller drawer, as more air circulation helps to keep the blueberries dry and unspoiled.

Since moisture can make blueberries spoil faster, wash blueberries as you go. Only wash the number of blueberries you plan to eat at one time.

How to freeze blueberries

Wash and dry blueberries.
Place blueberries on tray lined with baking paper, in a single layer.
Freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer to a container or zip-lock bag. Frozen blueberries keep for up to 3 months.

If you need to freeze your blueberries in a hurry, you can freeze them without washing them as long as they're dry (so they don't stick together). Then simply rinse the frozen berries before using.

Frozen berries are great for adding to smoothies, muffins, or cooking into a berry sauce.

What are the health benefits of blueberries?

Blueberries are high in vitamin C, a great source of potassium, packed with dietary fibre and they’re one of the best sources of antioxidants you can consume.

Click to check out the Australian Blueberries website for more information about the health benefits of blueberries.