Blueberry picking season is coming to a close in the Midwest, so we felt it was the perfect time to make the most of these vibrant, nutrient-packed berries. Whether you're a seasoned blueberry enthusiast or new to their sweet and tangy delights, there are countless ways to enjoy and preserve them. Here are some of our favorite ways to use your freshly picked blueberries (especially if you tend to over-pick like us!)
We'll start easy with one of our favorites:
(Image sourced from the recipe site)
1. The Best Blueberry MuffinsÂ
Start your day with a burst of blueberry goodness by incorporating these berries into muffins or bars. Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast option, but this particular recipe is a favorite of ours because of the sugary crumble on top!
Aptly named recipe:Â Â "To Die For Blueberry Muffins"Â
đĄ Fun Tip! If you don't love blueberries, this recipe is AMAZING with just about any other additive! We've tried butterscotch chips, chocolate chips and raspberries and they all turned out great! You can also split the batter and try multiple different add-ins to mix it up!
(Image sourced from the recipe site)
2. Blueberry Oatmeal BarsÂ
If you're itching for a new breakfast fav with blueberries, these bars a must-try! We love that there are only 7 ingredients-- because we typically have everything we need on-hand when we bring home those bushels of blueberries.Â
Recipe:Â Blueberry Oatmeal Bar Recipe from Pastry and Beyond
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STORAGE NOTE: Homemade blueberry muffins & bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
(Image sourced from the recipe site)
3. Blueberry Jam
Boy oh boy are we excited to share this one! We love this homemade blueberry because it's the most delightful way to savor the flavor of summer all year round. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a filling for pastries.
Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Jam
STORAGE NOTE: Blueberry jam can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider canning it properly. Canned blueberry jam can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year.
(Image sourced from the recipe site)
4. Blueberry Pie
Nothing says summer like a classic blueberry pie. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, blueberry pie is a fan favorite around here--ESPECIALLY topped with vanilla ice cream.
Recipe:Â Simply the Best Blueberry Pie
STORAGE NOTE: Freshly baked blueberry pie can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pie for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
đĄÂ Bonus Tip! Pre-slice the pie you're going to freeze into individual pieces if you're not going to defrost the whole thing at once. That way you can pull it out a slice at a time and enjoy for longer (or when you're not feeding a crowd). We individually wrap the pieces in foil and put them all in a gallon-sized freezer bag that we label with a sharpie.
Freezing Blueberries Properly
To enjoy blueberries long after the season ends, freezing is a great option so you can thaw and use in the recipes above or toss into smoothies at a future date. The key? Follow the instructions below so they don't get clumped together.
Instructions:
- Wash and Dry: Rinse blueberries under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. (Very important to avoid too much frost and sticking together)
- Freeze Individually: Spread the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours.
- Store: Transfer the frozen blueberries to airtight freezer bags or containers.
STORAGE NOTE: Frozen blueberries can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months.Â
Whether youâre baking, making jam, or preserving for later, blueberries offer a range of delicious options. Enjoy the fresh taste of summer now and savor the flavors throughout the year with proper storage techniques. Happy cooking and preserving!
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