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Best Blueberries For Baking & Freezing

Blueberries couldn’t be a more effortless fruit. There’s no peeling, coring or cutting — just pick and enjoy! This native North American fruit has been prized in baking for centuries due to its great flavor. Read on to discover the best type of blueberries for baking and how to freeze them for all of your future baking endeavors.

Fresh blueberries in a white ceramic bowl

Types of Blueberries

  • Highbush, or cultivated, blueberries are grown for primarily commercial use.
  • Lowbush, or wild, blueberries occur naturally and grow in carpetlike vines in northern areas
Baking with Blueberries - A cart overflowing with juicy blueberries

How To Pick The Best Blueberries

To pick the best blueberries for baking, make sure they are plump and firm and are a frosted indigo color. Blueberries do not ripen after picking, so avoid picking berries that aren’t fully ripened.

Blueberries are in peak season from late May to mid-August. One pint of blueberries is equal to 2 cups. Cover berries and store in the refrigerator after purchasing or picking. They will keep up to 10 days. Wash just before using.

Baking with Blueberries - Juicy blueberries arranged in a wooden box

How To Freeze Blueberries

Freezing blueberries is easy. Do not wash blueberries before freezing. The waxy coating protects them when frozen.

Spread berries on a cookie sheet or in a baking pan, and freeze until berries are frozen. Transfer them to a freezer container or a plastic freezer bag. If you’re planning to use frozen blueberries in baked goods, the color may bleed into the batter. To prevent this, be sure the berries are frozen solid and stir them into the batter just before baking.

Baking with Blueberries - Bowl filled with blueberries and cream

Blueberries and Nutrition

Don’t let their small size fool you! Blueberries are a superfood with high nutritional value.

  • Blueberries are sometimes referred to as “brain berries” or brain food, because they are a top source of antioxidant phytonutrients. Early research suggests that regular consumption of phytonutrients may support healthy brain function.
  • Blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are thought to prevent harmful cell damage and reduce “free-radicals” in the body. These may help slow the aging process.
  • Blueberries are a good source of Vitamin C, as well as potassium, magnesium and fiber.
  • Blueberries are lower in calories than many fruits and have zero fat.
  • There you have it, a simple and easy guide to picking the best blueberries for baking and how you can freeze them!

Want to learn more baking tips and tricks? Check out our baking tips blog.