Enjoy delicious, seasonal berries well after the summer months. Here’s the best way to freeze blueberries! This easy freezing process takes 5 minutes and keeps fresh blueberries good for up to 6 months in the freezer (without freezer burn or a big clump).

Pro Tip: Use this method with other fresh fruits (peaches, bananas, avocados) and berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries). 

Fresh blueberries going into the freezer, on a sheet pan.

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Unlike other preservation methods, the good thing about freezing is you don’t need fancy tools or a lot of time.

What You’ll Need to Freeze Fresh Berries


How to Freeze Blueberries in 3 Easy Steps 

Below, you’ll find both a video guide and step-by-step instructions with photos.

This simple process works with a handful of berries or a large excess of blueberries. For a large blueberry harvest, work in batches or use multiple sheet pans.

Video Guide: How to Freeze Fresh Berries

The video tutorial demonstrates the freezing process using fresh strawberries, but the same method is used for blueberries (along with blackberries and raspberries). The only difference with blueberries is you don’t need to remove the green tops or cut the berries.

Step by Step Instructions With Photos

Step 1: Wash and Dry 

  • Wash the fresh berries and dry thoroughly in a single layer on a clean dish towel. Discard any defective berries (rotten or moldy berries). 

Washing Blueberries Before Freezing: Wash berries in a vinegar bath or in a sink/bowl filled with cold water. (Or use a salad spinner: soak berries in the basket/ bowl, remove the basket with berries inside, and rinse under fresh water.) Berries must be fully dry before freezing. Water (excess moisture) left on the berries will cause the berries to suffer freezer burn and clump.

Step 2: Spread on a Sheet Pan 

  • Spread the dry blueberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet pan (or cookie sheet) in a single layer.
  • For a large blueberry haul, use multiple sheet pans or work in batches with one sheet pan. 
  • Place blueberries in the freezer for 1 hour (or more), until fully frozen.

Flash Freezing: This method is known as flash freezing. Why do this? This is the best method to preserve fresh fruit for a later date and avoid freezer burn (ice crystals forming on the fruit). I do the same with other berries, like strawberries, as well as sliced bananas.

Step 3: Store in Freezer-Friendly Containers or Bags

  • Once the berries are frozen, remove the sheet pan/cookie sheet from the freezer. 
  • Place the frozen berries in a plastic freezer bag or reusable bag (or multiple bags, depending on quantity) or freezer-safe containers.
  • Seal the bag, removing excess air from the bag as you press down on the bag and seal. 

How Long Do Frozen Blueberries Last in the Freezer?

Berries may be safely stored in the freezer for up to 6 months

Fresh blueberries going into the freezer, on a sheet pan.
5 from 2 votes

How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries (and Other Berries)

Freeze fresh blueberries (and other berries) for up to 6 months with this simple method.
Kristin Marr
Prep Time15 minutes
Flash Freeze1 hour
Servings 4 cups berries per sheet pan (freeze as many berries as desire)

Equipment

  • 1 rimmed sheet pan or cookie sheet
  • 1 sheet of parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh blueberries or strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Freeze as many berries as will fit on your sheet pan.

Instructions

  • Wash the berries and pick out any moldy or rotten berries. Dry the berries thoroughly on a clean towel.
  • Once fully dry, spread the berries on a sheet pan/cookie sheet. I like to line my sheet pan with parchment paper to keep the berries from sticking to the pan once frozen. The berries should be in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan.
  • Place the sheet pan in the freezer and freeze for about an hour (time will vary depending on amount and size of berries, may take anywhere from 30 minutes-3 hours). This method is known as "flash freezing."
  • Once the berries are completely frozen, spoon or dump the berries into an airtight container: a plastic freezer bag, silicone bag, or tempered glass container. If using a bag, remove extra air from the bag before sealing–this will prevent freezer burn issues.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Use the frozen berries to make blueberry muffins, smoothies, overnight oats, yogurt bowls, baked blueberry oatmeal, and other delicious meals.

Notes

How many blueberries can you freeze at one time? I find that about 4 cups of berries will fit in a single layer on a large sheet pan. This is why I suggest “4 cups” in the how-to above. But you can freeze any amount of berries desired. If you have a lot of berries, you’ll need to freeze the berries in batches or use multiple sheet pans (if they’ll fit in your freezer). 
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
Don’t let it rot!

FREE PRODUCE GUIDE

21 Storage Hacks to Keep Your Produce Fresh

How to Use Frozen Berries

How to freeze blueberries without getting mushy? 

Frozen berries will always be mushy when defrosted. This is due to the extra water content of berries. Either use the berries in their frozen state (for baking or snacking) or take advantage of the delicious mushy texture for yogurt bowls and oatmeal dishes.

Why Freeze Fresh Berries?


  • PRESERVE THE SEASON This simple method is the easy way to preserve fruits long-term, in peak season. No canning experience, dehydrator, or special tools required.
  • SAVE MONEY – Whether you grow your own blueberries, go blueberry picking at a local farm, buy berries on sale at the grocery store, or pick up a great deal on fresh berries at the farmers’ market, peak blueberry season is the ideal time to stock up and save money in the coming months.
  • MANY USES – Make smoothies, muffins, quick bread, overnight oats, yogurt bowls, frozen yogurt, blueberry pancakes, or enjoy straight from the freezer.
  • AVOID FOOD WASTE – Not going to eat all the berries in the fridge? Don’t toss them; freeze them for the future. 

13 Frozen Blueberry Recipes

MY TOP FROZEN BERRY RECIPES

OVERNIGHT OATS: Perfect for busy mornings
YOGURT BOWLSTop yogurt with the frozen berries
BAKED BLUEBERRY OATMEALA healthy make-ahead breakfast
EINKORN BLUEBERRY MUFFINSWho doesn’t love a blueberry muffin?
Made with easier-to-digest ancient grains.

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I love to freeze fresh berries when they go on sale during the summer months. Always around when they’re more expensive in the winter. The blueberry baked oatmeal is my favorite way to use frozen berries. Let me know how you use frozen berries.