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How to Freeze Blackberries

Freezing fresh Blackberries is EASY and is a SUPER way to preserve the great taste and low prices of in season Blackberries! Besides, when you know how to freeze Blackberries, it only takes about 5 minutes! 

measuring up with frozen blackberries in it

Why This Recipe Works…

  1. Fast
  2. Easy
  3. Saves Money!
  4. Frozen Blackberries can be used in all kinds of recipes! 

Here’s How It is Done

STEP 1. Pour the Blackberries out onto a baking sheet. 

***No need to wash the Blackberries first, you can rinse them just before you use them with cool water. You will need the berries to be completely dry before freezing them or they will stick together***. 

baking sheet with blackberries spread out for freezing

STEP 2. Place the tray into the freezer for 2 hours. 

hand placing sheet of blackberries into the freezer

STEP 3. Remove and then measure out quantities of berries for each bag. Label the bags before filling with berries for easy use. 

quart size bag of frozen blackberries

Do Blackberries Freeze Well? 

Yes, they do freeze well. Simply follow the recipe listed below. 

Frozen Blackberry Recipes

We love them in these recipes: 

Pickled Blackberries

Blackberry Pie Cobbler

 

Can You Freeze Blackberries?

Yes, you can freeze Blackberries! It is so simple that you will be surprised! Follow the recipe card below. Blackberries are one of the easiest fruits to freeze!

Freeze Blackberries How Long? 

Keep Frozen Blackberries for 6 months to 1 year. Be sure to keep them as close to 32C as possible. Squeeze as much air from the bag as possible before freezing. 

How To Freeze Blackberries

Spread the unwashed berries out on a baking sheet. Place baking sheet into the freezer for 2 hours. Remove and place into labeled bags. Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag. Lay the bags as flat as possible into the freezer. Rinse the fruit  before using. 

A photo from a distance of pickled blackberries, without a spoon

Pickled Blackberries

Frequently Asked Questions about Freezing Blackberries (FAQ’s)

The Best Way to Store Blackberries? 

I’ve found that the best way to store blackberries is to freeze them. This preserves the flavor for up to a year and is the perfect way to use them in recipes. They are so delicate and really only available at certain times of the year. This is the perfect way to have them available all year long for all kinds of recipes. 

How Do I Freeze Blackberries to Keep Them From Getting Mushy? 

Freezing the Blackberries individually and keeping them dry like described in the recipe card below will help to keep the them from becoming overly mushy. However, all frozen fruit does become more mushy than fresh fruit and you will want to use these them in baked goods or smoothies. Don’t plan to use them like you would fresh fruit.

Do I Need To Wash Blackberries Before Freezing Them?

No need to wash them before freezing them. Rinse with cool water before using them in your recipe.

Do I Need To Thaw Blackberries Before Using Them In Baking? 

No, you don’t need to thaw them before using them in baking. Just give them a light wash with cold water, drain well and use in whatever recipe you have planned. 

Can You Just Eat Frozen Blackberries? 

Sure you can! Rinse and pop them right in your mouth! It’s like a little popsicle! What a great fresh treat that is even good for you! 

How Do You Thaw Frozen Blackberries? 

There’s no need to thaw them before using in your recipe, but if you want to thaw them, run water over them for a minute or two. If you put the bag that they are frozen into the fridge, they will also thaw. You will notice a lot of liquid in the bag. No need to use this liquid in your recipe. 

Can Frozen Blackberries Be Substituted For Fresh? 

Yes, you can substitute frozen Blackberries for fresh in most cooking applications and in smoothies. You won’t want to use frozen berries instead of fresh as a garnish, topping or fruit salad. All fruit that has been frozen will be somewhat mushy when completely thawed and that just won’t look nice for your application.

Does Freezing Blackberries Affect the Taste?

Freezing Blackberries does not affect the taste. The berry will still taste like a berry BUT it does affect the texture. They will become mushy after freezing as does all fruit. It is best to use this fruit in baking, cooking and smoothie recipes. 

How To Know If Frozen Blackberries are Bad

If you notice….

  • The berries appears encased in ice crystals or frost
  •  Light colored and dry
  • Have been in the longer than 6 months.
  • There was a lot of air in the package.

What’s the Best Way to Freeze Blackberries? 

Simply follow the instructions listed below and you’ll have the very best method .

Be sure to select ripe, perfect fruit for freezing. The quality of what you freeze will be reflected in the final product you have at the end. 

The National Center for Home Food Preservation has a lot of great information too!

Blackberry Pie Cobbler @loavesanddishes.net

If You Want To Know More About Freezing Other Foods, Check Out….

Hey, Ya’ll, Help Me Out, OK? 

Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes! 

quart size bag of frozen blackberries

How to Freeze Blackberries

Freezing fresh Blackberries is EASY and is a SUPER way to preserve the great taste and low prices of in season Blackberries!  Besides, when you know how to freeze Blackberries, it only takes about 5 minutes! 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: How to freeze blackberries, freezing blackberries
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 24kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb blackberries any variety or size

Instructions

  • Label the freezer bag with a sharpie marker to indicate what will be in the bag and how many. Label with today's date and a "USE BY" date (6 months to 1 year from now).
  • Place the berries onto a baking sheet and spread them out
  • Place the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 2 hours.
  • After 2 hours, remove the tray from the freezer, measure out the berries and place them into a resealable top plastic bag.
  • Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag.
  • Seal the bag. Finish labeling the bag if necessary.
  • Place the bag into the freezer and lay flat so that it will freeze flat.

Notes

  • Use good quality freezer bags (this doesn't necessarily mean name brand).  Just check to make sure that the bag feels heavy and thick in your hand and that the seal works very well.
  • It's so easy to use the type of bag with the zippers, but I've had more bag failures with the zipper bags than with the press and seal type bags. 
  • Buy yourself a sharpie marker to keep in the kitchen in your "junk" drawer OR tape it to the front of your freezer bag box.  Then you'll always have one. 
  • The flater that you can make the bag, the better for saving space in your freezer. 
  • When putting things in the freezer, put the newer things on the bottom of the stack so that the older things are near the top and you'll use those first. 
  • Squeeze air out of the bag after you put the meat into the bag by rolling it up. Air in the bag will equal freezer burn later. 
PRO TIP:  Label the bag BEFORE you put the food in the bag.  It's so much easier to write on a bag with nothing in it BEFORE it has water or grease on it. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Freeze Blackberries
Amount Per Serving
Calories 24 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 92mg3%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 121IU2%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A VERSE TO SHARE

A LONG time ago, I could play a song for church on my guitar that referenced this scripture. What a great memory. What wonderful memories of living in the light do you have? 

Psalm 84: 10

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Moxie

Friday 27th of September 2019

Just what I needed!

Wendi Spraker

Friday 27th of September 2019

Great!

15585

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