If you have more blueberries than what you can eat at a time, you might be wondering what you can do with the remaining ones?
Can you refreeze blueberries that have been previously frozen?
My quick answer to this is yes you can refreeze blueberries. There is a myth that you can’t refreeze blueberries. But refreezing blueberries has been proven to be safe and it’s how most people store their berries in the winter months.
Refreezing does not affect the nutritional value or flavor of the fruit, but there are some precautions that need to be taken before refreeze them again for storage.
How to refreeze blueberries?
As mentioned, there are some things you need to take into consideration when you plan to refreeze blueberries.
You can refreeze blueberries by following these steps:
1. Drain any excess liquid from fruits
2. Put frozen pieces into airtight containers
3. Leave room for expansion
4. Store at 0 degrees Fahrenheit
5. Replace every 6-8 weeks
6. Refrigerate after opening
7. Don’t re-thaw
8. Don’t refreeze if overdone
If you decide to re-frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first. Refreezing fruit that has already been thawed compromises the texture and taste of the fruit.
Refreezing causes ice crystals on the surface of fruits which causes damage on the outer layer.
Refreezing also affects the color of fruits as well as it changes from a vibrant blue to a dull gray.
How long can frozen blueberries last in freezer?
If properly stored, frozen blueberries can last for six to twelve months in the freezer.
But be aware that freezing and refreezing blueberries can cause other damages such as color change, quality degradation and susceptibility to microorganisms.
As the old saying goes, everything in moderation! Remember to enjoy your frozen blueberries while they last!
How long do blueberries last in refrigerator?
You can store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator for about one week.
Don’t forget to place them inside an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag as they tend to lose moisture on cold temperatures.
Freezing blueberries brings the best out of them.
Frozen blueberries are great to have during hot weather as it can help you beat the heat.
Refreezing these fruits will not bring back their quality so make sure that you take good care of them once they are already frozen.
How many times can you refreeze blueberries?
What I found is that there is no specific limit as to how many times can you refreeze blueberries.
As long as the fruits remained fresh, and no discoloration happened, then you can refreeze it again as long as you want.
But if you find your frozen blueberries are turning gray, they are losing the intense color.
If this happens, I suggest that you discard the fruits.
Always go for a safer route.
How long do frozen blueberries last once thawed?
Frozen blueberries can last for about one to two days once thawed.
But it all depends on how you choose to thaw the fruits as well as additional ingredients such as milk and other dairy products.
If you decide to use your blueberries in a recipe, make sure that you cook it before eating. Refreezing them will compromise their quality and taste.
You can also opt to thaw your blueberries in the refrigerator instead of leaving them under room temperature.
Frozen blueberries that are already thawed should be eaten immediately or stored properly else they will end up being bad.
Once you open your refrigerated pack, it’s important to eat or store the blueberries as soon as possible.
It’s safe to say that blueberries last only a day once thawed so eat them soon after they have been defrosted!
What are the safety concerns of refreezing blueberries?
Refreezing blueberries might cause food borne illness if not done correctly. Re-thawing of frozen fruits is prohibited as it compromises the texture and taste of the fruit.
The process of thawing already frozen blueberries also exposes them to harmful bacteria that might cause serious illness.
It is not recommended for people with poor immune system to refreeze blueberries. Refreezing may present health risks to elderly people as well.
How can you tell if frozen blueberries are bad?
You can find out if blueberries are bad or not through their smell, color and texture.
If you bought your package of blueberries frozen, check the expiration date on it before using.
Frozen fruits should not have any unpleasant odor at all.
If your fruit smells weird even after you thawed them, there’s a chance that it is already bad.
It’s not advisable to eat blueberries with any discoloration as this might cause food poisoning.
Lastly, you can assess the texture of your fruit by squeezing or pressing it with your hands.
Refreezing does cause damage on the outer layer so frozen fruits should be somewhat hard to touch.
If the texture of your blueberries is too mushy for you, then it’s best to discard it.
Are blueberries that float bad?
A lot of people think that blueberries that float are bad.
This is not true! Blueberries can only float if there’s air trapped inside the package and it has nothing to do with its quality and freshness.
If your blueberries sink or stay at the bottom, this doesn’t mean they all have the same freshness.
Always remember that as long as the package is sealed, the contents of the box are still safe to eat.
If you want to make sure if your frozen blueberries are fresh and tasty, check their expiration date and follow proper care instructions given by the manufacture.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, you can refreeze blueberries so there is nothing to worry about when you have more blueberries than you can eat at a time.
All you need to do is to keep your blueberries in a sealed container and keep it for later use.
However, make sure that your product is still fresh before refreezing them.
It’s best to check the expiration date on the package before freezing them again.
After thawing the blueberries, use or eat them as soon as possible. Refreezing blueberries might damage their quality and taste.
Make sure to keep frozen blueberries stored properly or eat them soon after they have been defrosted.
To ensure safety, follow proper care instructions given by the manufacture when storing your frozen fruits.
Stay away from blueberries with any unpleasant odor, discoloration or texture that is too mushy.
Thank you for reading.
If you want to learn more about refreezing, feel free to visit my guide here.
Related Questions
If you want to learn more about blueberries, you might as well interested in some related questions below.
How do you keep blueberries fresh longer?
To keep blueberries fresh longer, it’s important to store the blueberries properly.
Make sure to store blueberries in a container with compartments, which prevent the fruit from sticking together.
It’s also a good idea to line your container with parchment paper or even paper towels.
This will make it easier for you to separate individual berries when you need them later on.
You can freeze your fresh blueberries and keep them fresh longer by following proper care instructions given by the manufacture.
Does freezing blueberries destroy it antioxidants?
Blueberries have a high level of antioxidants which helps prevent disease and boost the immune system.
Freezing blueberries does not destroy its antioxidant properties, but you should consider taking some precautions before freezing them.
Freezing can cause damage to the outer layer of your frozen fruits so make sure to use or eat them as soon as possible after they have been defrosted.
If you want to keep your blueberries fresh and nutritious longer, it’s best to store them properly.
How long do blueberries stay good for?
Blueberries can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 12 months.
It’s best to check the expiration date on your product before placing them in the freezer.
Monitoring when you placed your food in the freezer is also helpful in determining how long they are good for.
Why are frozen blueberries cheaper than fresh?
Frozen blueberries are cheaper than fresh blueberries because they can be frozen throughout the growing season.
This allows farmers to maximize their profits since they don’t have to pay for storage or transportation costs.
It’s also less time consuming since it takes several hours for farmers to harvest the berries which is then followed by several more hours of preparation
Are frozen berries still healthy?
When you freeze blueberries, they still retain their nutrients and antioxidants. Refreezing them can affect the taste and texture of your fruits but it won’t affect its nutritional value.
It’s best to store fresh blueberries in a container with compartments to make sure they don’t stick together and for later use, place them in the freezer.
After thawing the blueberries, use them immediately or keep them for later use.
Can I eat frozen berries straight from the freezer?
In most cases, frozen blueberries can be eaten straight from the freezer.
If you place your berries in a sealed container and leave it out for a couple of minutes, they should be good to go.
However, make sure to check on your product to determine whether or not it’s been thawed properly.
It’s best to keep your berries stored in the refrigerator if you’re planning on eating them at a later time.
