Content
- 1 Is it possible to freeze blueberries?
- 2 Beneficial properties of frozen blueberries
- 3 How to properly freeze blueberries
- 4 A quick way to freeze blueberries
- 5 How to freeze blueberries whole in the freezer
- 6 Freezing blueberries with sugar
- 7 How to freeze blueberry puree
- 8 What can you cook from frozen blueberries?
- 9 Shelf life and defrosting rules
- 10 Conclusion
If you freeze blueberries in the refrigerator for the winter, you can extend their beneficial properties for a long time. This will allow you to consume the berries 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?
It is best to eat blueberries fresh. But due to its short shelf life, it is often frozen. This does not affect the composition and taste of the product in any way. The storage duration when frozen increases on average by six months. Frozen berries should be thawed before use. The only way it will differ from fresh berries is the lack of elasticity.
Beneficial properties of frozen blueberries
If the freezing process is carried out in accordance with the standards, the beneficial properties of frozen blueberries are preserved. The frozen berries contain 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 its antioxidant content, 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;
- protection from radioactive radiation;
- normalization of visual function;
- stimulation of metabolism;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
The product can be used as part of a dietary diet. The calorie content of frozen blueberries is only 39 kcal per 100 g. BZHU 100 g of berries is as follows:
- proteins – 1 g;
- fats – 0.5 g;
- carbohydrates – 6.6 g.
How to properly freeze blueberries
The quality and beneficial 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 fruits. If they were purchased in a store, run a stream of cool water over them before freezing.
Dry the berries on paper or waffle towels. The first option is more preferable, since difficult-to-wash stains may 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 subjected to low temperatures in decomposed form, and then they are transferred to a container for further storage.
A 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. There is no need to wash blueberries before putting them in the freezer. The freezing stages are as follows:
- The berries are sorted and laid out on a flat plate in one layer.
- The plates are placed in the upper section of the freezer for 2 hours.
- After the specified time, the blueberries are poured into a plastic bag and closed, after releasing the air.
How to freeze blueberries whole in the freezer
This freezing method is suitable if you have deep containers and cling film available:
- The bottom of the container is covered with film. Place a layer of berries on top.
- The film is again pulled over the blueberries, and the berries are placed over it.
- Cover 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 a container. There is no need to transfer the product after the first stage of freezing. It is stored in the container in which it is frozen.
Freezing blueberries with sugar
This freezing method will require a large amount of granulated sugar. Blueberries frozen in sugar are often used to make desserts, compote and jam. The freezing algorithm is as follows:
- The product is placed in a deep pan and covered with sugar. It is necessary to carefully mix the contents of the pan with a silicone spatula.
- The berries are transferred to a plastic container and covered with a lid.
- The container is placed in the freezer, where it is stored as long as needed.
It is important that the container is closed as tightly as possible. This will prevent the berries from absorbing foreign odors.
How to freeze blueberry puree
Blueberry puree is perfect as a filling for baked goods. It is made with added sugar. For 1 kg of berries you will need 250 g of sugar. The puree is frozen as follows:
- The components are crushed in a blender until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
- The resulting puree is transferred to a plastic container.
What can you cook from frozen blueberries?
Frozen blueberries are widely used in cooking. The good thing about it is that it can be used to prepare various dishes even in winter. Before use, the product must be defrosted at room temperature. Most often the following are prepared from frozen berries:
- cocktails;
- baking;
- berry juice;
- sauces;
- liquor or wine;
- compote.
As part 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 preserves in winter.
Shelf life and defrosting rules
Blueberries are one of the few products that tolerate freezing well. With the right approach, it does not deform and does not leak juice. At the same time, all its valuable properties are preserved. The average storage temperature is -18ºС. The shelf life 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 consume the product in a severely frozen state. You need to give it time to defrost.
