Plump, ripe, colorful blueberries, whether fresh or frozen, are widely considered to be one of the most nutritious fruits in the produce section. And unlike some other good-for-you foods, there is no need to acquire a taste for them — they are naturally delicious.
The great news for blueberry fans is these tasty treats are available year-round … in the frozen-food aisle. They are easy to keep on hand, economical, delicious and super healthy, so there’s really no reason not to make them a freezer staple. But these 11 blueberry facts are our favorite reasons to keep blueberries in your freezer year-round!
1. BLUEBERRIES ARE FROZEN AT THE PEAK OF THEIR FRESHNESS
Freezing locks in their health benefits and they’re just as delicious as a cold treat as they are thawed a bit and thrown on a salad.
2. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES ARE JUST 80 CALORIES PER CUP
They’re also virtually fat-free and naturally low in sodium, making them a delicious addition to almost any healthy diet.
3. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES ARE A GOOD SOURCE OF DIETARY FIBER (3.6 G PER SERVING)
Fiber may help keep you feeling full longer and aid with digestion.
4. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES CONTAIN VITAMIN C (3.9 MG PER CUP)
Vitamin C aids collagen formation and helps maintain healthy gums and capillaries, and a healthy immune system.
5. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES LAST UP TO 10 MONTHS IN YOUR HOME FREEZER
This allows you to buy them ahead of when you’ll actually need them, saving you time. Take advantage of sales and specials at your market to maximize your food budget.
6. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES IN SMOOTHES ARE IDEAL
They provide all the flavor and gorgeous color of fresh berries while making the mix cool, thick and refreshing. Plus, you don’t have to dilute your concoction by adding ice!
7. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES ARE FANTASTIC FOR BAKING
They hold their shape beautifully and, compared to fresh blueberries, they tend to “bleed” less while maintaining their intense flavor. Plus, there’s no need to defrost them before you bake.
8. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES CAN HELP COOL YOU DOWN ON A HOT DAY
They’re great to pop in your mouth to suck on or use them as ice cubes to cool, flavor and color a drink.
9. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES MAKE AN EASY PAN-SAUCE ON A CHILLY EVENING
After pan-frying pork chops or chicken thighs, sauté a shallot, add a handful of blueberries with a splash of red wine and a pat of butter. Stir and simmer to make a sauce that elevates meals to something elegant.
10. IF YOU NEED TO USE THEM QUICKLY, FROZEN BLUEBERRIES ARE EASY TO DEFROST
Simply lay them in a single layer on paper towels and microwave in 30-second bursts on “defrost” until fully thawed. Then use them as you would fresh — on your morning cereal, on top of frozen yogurt or anywhere else that strikes your fancy.
11. FROZEN BLUEBERRIES MAKE A FABULOUS JAM
Simmer a bag of frozen blueberries with half its weight in sugar for about 20 minutes, until thickened.
With no preservatives, additives or added sugar, frozen blueberries may be a smart choice for your health. These berries are the fruit atop white horseback, riding into your kitchen at any time of year, ready to be a delicious part of your snacks, smoothies and baked goods all year-round.
