I didn't think this summer superfruit could be any more versatile, but this method can actually improve the flavor and nutritional value of blueberries

Blueberries may be small but they're certainly mighty. Learning how to freeze this seasonal superfruit will help you to preserve their flavor and goodness for longer. Rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, I love adding blueberries to smoothies, for topping my morning granola bowls and in fruity bakes.

Whether you never quite make it to the end of a larger punnet in time, or like the idea of adding them straight from the freezer to your smoothies and sorbets, there are so many benefits to learning how to freeze these beautiful berries.

To help you get started, I talked to blueberry farmers and food experts to learn about the different ways to freeze blueberries. Knowing how to organize a chest freezer first will help when it comes to grabbing your favorite frozen fruits as you need them.

1. How to freeze blueberries whole

Freezing blueberries whole is the quickest way to preserve them for later use. After a long day, I don't always have the time or energy to whip up a preserve or mash fruit for freezing, so most of my frozen fruits (blueberries included) usually remain whole. It's perfect for portioning out for summer baking, too

Lyndon and Kether Smith of Botanist and Barrel, and Cedar Grove Blueberry, believe freezing blueberries whole is the best way. 'When we harvest blueberries at Cedar Grove Blueberry Farm, we like to freeze them whole and unwashed, as they're spray-free and organically grown. This preserves their natural protective coating (called the bloom) and helps lock in nutrients and flavor. The bloom is that silvery film on the berry which serves as a natural barrier that helps slow down spoilage and moisture loss.'

To freeze your blueberries, simply wash them if desired, pat completely dry with paper towel, spread them out on a baking sheet like the Katbite Silicone Baking Mat from Walmart to individually freeze until solid, and then transfer them into a sealed container or bag. Freezing them separately and drying the berries as much as possible helps to prevent the blueberries from sticking together. Trust me, you don't want to end up trying to pry apart lumps of berries, as it's really fiddly, and I speak from experience.

2. How to freeze blueberries mashed

I definitely didn't appreciate the versatility of mashed fruits until recently.When I thought of mashed fruits, baby food immediately came to mind – which is of course an ideal use for it – but mashed fruit also has many more culinary uses, too.

Janet Irizarry, a former restaurant owner, educator at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and founder of My Mindful Kitchen, says, 'Mashed or puréed blueberries are perfect for so many things, including baking, jams or stirring into yogurt. It's also the best way to freeze overripe blueberries that have already started to become mushy. Simply mash your washed or unwashed berries with the back of a fork, portion into ice cube trays or silicone molds, and freeze until solid.'

You can keep your mashed blueberries inside their molds or pop them out into freezer-safe bags or containers. I like the Glacier Ice Cube Tray with Lid from Wayfair as it produces larger portions, and the lid helps to keep my mashed blueberries fresh.

3. How to freeze blueberries that have been cooked

I didn't know that freezing cooked blueberries would result in an enhanced flavor. It's so simple but makes such a difference, whether you know how to grow blueberries or you purchase yours from a store.

'Cooking blueberries before freezing breaks down their skins, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and a smooth, spoonable texture ideal for pies, pancakes, oatmeal and desserts,' says Janet. 'Simmer your blueberries with a splash of water and a squeeze of lemon until they break down to your desired texture, and add in some sugar if you like. Once the mixture thickens, cool completely, portion into small containers or ice cube trays, and then freeze.'

Your cooked blueberries can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. It's recommended to thaw them in the fridge overnight to make the mixture easier to use when needed.

4. How to freeze blueberries dry and sugar-packed

I have never tried sugar-packing, but now I've been taught about it I'm tempted to give it a go when I next have too many blueberries to eat.

'It's an old-school method still loved for preserving fruit for desserts and breakfast toppings,' says Janet. 'You simply toss clean, dry berries with about half a cup of sugar per quart and let them sit in the sugar until most of it dissolves and syrup seeps from them. The blueberries can then be individually frozen or packed together for freezing.'

This is a great method for sweetening more tart batches of fruit, or for anyone with a sweet tooth.

5. How to freeze blueberries in ice cubes

If you haven't tried freezing whole or sliced blueberries into your ice cubes for summer drinks yet, now's the time. Not only do they look lovely, but the fruit juices merge with your beverage, adding extra sweetness and flavor as the ice cubes melt

Kassie Grasmanis of Bowerman's Farm and Market says, 'It is fun to freeze blueberries in a small amount of water in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be used to add flavor and a touch of fun to beverages.'

I'm looking forward to trying my blueberries in ice spheres by using this 3 Pack of Circle Ice Cube Trays from Amazon to match the shape of the berries.

Freezing blueberries FAQs

Do frozen blueberries keep their antioxidant properties?

According to Lyndon and Kether, blueberries do keep their antioxidant properties when frozen. Sometimes freezing blueberries actually improves it.

'It’s our understanding from research on the subject that frozen blueberries retain the vast majority of their antioxidant properties for several months, and sometimes freezing improves antioxidant accessibility due to softening of the berry matrix once thawed,' says Lyndon and Kether. 'So don't avoid freezing your blueberries just because you're concerned about losing antioxidant properties or nutrient value.'

Can blueberries be used from frozen?

You can use blueberries from frozen in many ways such as blending them into smoothies and mixing them into doughs for baking but it isn't recommended to eat them directly until thawed. They will be incredibly tough to chew as well as a choking hazard. But frozen berries in baked goods will thaw in the oven, becoming the perfect texture for your cakes and cookies: not too mushy but no longer solid.

If you're looking for dessert recommendations to use up your surplus blueberries, look no further. This meringue stack with summer berries and vanilla ice cream is delicious and a suprisingly easy seasonal showstopper.