Is it possible to freeze blueberries for the winter

If you freeze blueberries for the winter in the refrigerator, you can extend their beneficial properties for a long time. This will allow you to use the berry not only in season, but also in winter. There are several ways to freeze a product, each of which has certain nuances.

Is it possible to freeze blueberries

Blueberries are best eaten fresh. But because of the shortened shelf life, it is often frozen. This does not affect the composition and taste of the product. The duration of storage during freezing on average increases by six months. Frozen berries should be thawed before use. The only way it will differ from fresh berries is the lack of elasticity.

Useful properties of frozen blueberries

If the freezing process is carried out in accordance with the norms, the beneficial properties of frozen blueberries are preserved. The composition of the frozen berry contains the following components:

• amino acids;
• calcium;
• vitamins of groups E, B, PP, C, A and K;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• iron.

Blueberries are good for people of all ages. Due to the content of antioxidants, it has a general strengthening effect on the body and promotes its rejuvenation. The abundance of vitamins in the composition makes it a valuable immunomodulatory agent. The most pronounced beneficial properties of the product include the following:

• normalization of the genitourinary system;
• improving the function of the digestive system;
• prevention of the development of malignant tumors;
• antipyretic effect;
• increased blood clotting;
• radiation protection;
• normalization of visual function;
• metabolism stimulation;
• strengthening of the walls of blood vessels;
• prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

The product can be used as part of a diet. The calorie content of frozen blueberries is only 39 kcal per 100 g. BJU 100 g of berries is as follows:

• proteins – 1 g;
• fats – 0,5 g;
• carbohydrates – 6,6

How to freeze blueberries

The quality and useful properties of the product depend on how to prepare it for freezing. Berries should be picked in sunny weather. It is advisable to be careful not to deform the fruit. If they were purchased in a store, they are poured over with a stream of cool water before freezing.

It is necessary to dry the berry on paper or waffle towels. The first option is more preferable, since stains that are difficult to wash can remain on the fabric. The main condition for high-quality freezing is that the berries must be absolutely dry. The berries are laid out on trays in layers of no more than 2 cm. The freezing process takes place in 2 stages. First, the berries are exposed to low temperatures in the unfolded form, and then they are transferred to a container for further storage.

Quick way to freeze blueberries

The easiest way to freeze involves storing berries in trays or plates. This option is suitable if there are few berries. Before you send blueberries to the freezer, you do not need to wash them. Freezing steps are as follows:

1. The berries are sorted and laid out on a flat plate in one layer.
2. Plates are placed for 2 hours in the upper section of the freezer.
3. After the specified time, the blueberries are poured into a plastic bag and closed, after releasing the air.

How to freeze whole blueberries in the freezer

This method of freezing is suitable if deep containers and cling film are available:

1. The bottom of the container is covered with foil. Spread a layer of berries on top.
2. A film is again pulled over blueberries, and berries are put on it.
3. Close the container with a lid and put it in the freezer.

The advantage of the freezing method is the ability to fit a large number of berries into the container. There is no need to shift the product after the first stage of freezing. It is stored in the container in which it is frozen.

Freezing blueberries with sugar

This method of freezing will require a large amount of granulated sugar. Blueberries frozen in sugar are often used to make desserts, compotes and jams. The freezing algorithm is as follows:

1. The product is placed in a deep saucepan and covered with sugar. It is necessary to gently mix the contents of the pan with a silicone spatula.
2. Berries are transferred to a plastic container and closed with a lid.
3. The container is placed in the freezer, where it is stored for as long as needed.

It is important that the container is closed as tightly as possible. This will prevent the berry from absorbing foreign odors.

How to freeze blueberry puree

Blueberry puree is perfect as a filling for pastries. It is made with added sugar. For 1 kg of berries, 250 g of sugar will be required. Puree is frozen as follows:

1. The components are ground in a blender until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
2. The resulting puree is transferred to a plastic container.

What can be cooked from frozen blueberries

Frozen blueberries are widely used in cooking. It is good because it can be used for cooking various dishes even in winter. Before use, the product must be thawed at room temperature. Most often, frozen berries are prepared:

• cocktails;
• baking;
• berry juice;
• sauces;
• liquor or wine;
• compote.

In the composition of sauces, the berry goes well with meat dishes. It is also often used for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition, the product can be used to make jam or jam in winter.

Shelf life and defrosting rules

Blueberries are one of the few foods that tolerate freezing well. With the right approach, it does not deform and does not let juice out. At the same time, all its valuable properties are preserved. Its average storage temperature is -18ºС. The storage period is 1 year.

Conclusion

Freezing blueberries for the winter in the refrigerator is not difficult at all. The process of preparing the main ingredient will not take much time. It is advisable not to use the product in a severely frozen state. You need to give it time to unwind.