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If you want to save money on fruit, summer is the perfect time of year to stock up on fresh berries while they’re in season and plentiful. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are anti-inflammatory superfoods that are high in fiber and antioxidants, not to mention they taste sweet and are a convenient snack for both kids and adults.
You can easily freeze berries at home to preserve the fresh, ripe flavor and enjoy them long after they go out of season. Freezing seasonal berries in large or small quantities means they’ll never go to waste!
Uses for Frozen Berries
Frozen berries are perfect for:
- blending into smoothies
- mixing into oatmeal, yogurt or pancake batter
- topping ice cream
- baking into muffins, pies, etc.
- and so much more!
Whether you shop a local farm or your nearest grocery store, pick the best quality berries you can find. Locally sourced berries are as fresh as they come (since you’re buying close to the source), and they tend to be less expensive, since they don’t require refrigeration, transportation, and storage. Even local organic berries are often less expensive than organic berries from the supermarket.
Preserving berries in your home freezer not only saves you money, it’s also fun to get the entire family involved! Follow these simple steps to keep your berry harvest perfectly preserved.
RELATED: Easy Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
How to Freeze Berries
- First, remove any stems or leaves from berries.
- Rinse the berries thoroughly with water and gently pat dry.
- Working in batches if necessary, spread the berries onto a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. (This will prevent them from sticking together in large clumps.) Place the baking sheet into the freezer for 1-2 hours.
- Divide the frozen berries into freezer-safe bags and store in the freezer up to 6 months. Be sure to label each bag with the “use by” date and type of berries.
- Use berries directly from the freezer or defrost the desired amount at room temperature for about an hour.
- Enjoy fresh, flavorful berries all year long!
Freezing berries is a simple way to make fresh fruit last beyond its peak season. Not sure what other produce is in season throughout the year? Download my printable in-season guide!
Original Post: April 19, 2017 | Updated: May 10, 2022
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