Blueberries

[Tdog]

Our blueberries have produced pretty well this year - - not sure how long ago we planted them, maybe 7-8 years ago. Whatever, we've been freezing some of them. We have been told that you should not wash blueberries before freezing them. Doesn't seem right to me. Anyone else heard this & know the reason??

thanx

 

[txdon]

Tdog, we wash and dry our blueberries before freezing and they turn out fine when they come out of the freezer. We are organic and don't need to wash chemicals off but there are bug and bird things that don't seem very appetizing. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[db2]

We have a patch of blueberries that we planted twenty five years ago. We have frozen them washed and unwashed and find either is OK.

The commercial growers wash them before shipping the frozen product.

" <font color="blue"> Within hours of being harvested, the berries are brought to our freezing facility where they are cleaned and frozen using state of the art technology to preserve their remarkable flavor and quality. The Wild berry is received in our plant, placed into the winder which removes sticks and leaves, put over the scalper to get rid of stone and dirt, are washed and washed again. The green berries are separated from the blue, washed again, and then 11 minutes through the freezing tunnel and out come beautiful individually frozen blueberries. The berries are put into large totes for further processing." </font>

From: Rainbow Farms

Try a little washed and some unwashed and see what you prefer.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

We wash ours, then freeze them somewhat on a cookie sheet lined with was paper, then Vacuum seal them, and back into the freezer. Never had a problem.

steve

 

[sassafraspete]

I am new to the blueberry game this year. Planted 8 bushes. 2 were already large enough to produce some berries this year....about a cup full. I am planning to build an enclosure around them....like a screen house of chicken wire to keep the birds away.

My neighbor is my mentor in this venture.... he gave me some frozen blueberries from his patch. The boxes were graded A- and B+..... did I mention he is a retired teacher?

Sorry I can't answer your question...but generally on anything else.... I wash it.

sassafraspete

 

[8NTX]

For the last 5 years or so, we've gone to a nearby berry farm to pick blueberries and blackberries. Last time was 2 weeks ago. The old guy who owns the place (and has for 30 years or so) advised us not to wash the berries. Just said they will "freeze better". We've always followed his advice and they come out great. But we may try washing them next year just to compare.

Steve

 

[deereman63]

Is there any truth in the rumour that blue berries attract bears?

 

[MossRoad]

When we thaw out our blueberries, they are a little soft. How do you wash them then? Wouldn't they break apart and get mushed up? Just asking /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

When we go picking we've always washed them, drained them and frozen them in 1 quart zip lock bags with the air squeezed out of them. They seem to keep for several years that way. Thaw them out, a little sugar and cream, mmmm. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[1bush2hog]

Not sure about blue berries, but black bearies sure do attract them /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Durbob]

Any berries i have washed i just put them in a bowl ,fill it with water and let set for a while and then just drain the bowl. Works for me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dur