Freezing blueberries - question

[mlktwins]

I have a big package (store bought) of blueberries that I want to freeze.  From what I've read on-line, I should not wash them first (unlike freezing other fruit) and should just freeze them as is (something about the skin and protection).  Should I still lay them out on the tray and freeze them individually, like I've done with my strawberries, before I bag them up and put them in the freezer?  So they won't clump together?  Freezing my strawberries on a tray first worked really well and my strawberries are not in a big clump when we take them out.

[Pen]

I Have not frozen store bought, but with picked blueberries If I will want them individual at use time like for muffins, I do try  to use a tray,  if I will want them individually for use.  

If I were planning to use them for something like smoothies, I would probably wash them (or whatever you would want to do) first, and freeze in groups of right amount for use, and I would not worry about frozen together 

If I am going to use for pie, I try to clean and premix them with seasonings that would be used and freeze already in pie shell, or in correct amount together to fill a pie shell

[mlktwins]

This is why I may not wash them first, but wait until I use them (I have only just recently started freezing my own fruit) https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-freeze-blueberries-233957

Freeze As Is

Most instructions for freezing fruits and vegetables ask you to rinse and dry the produce first. This makes sense for most agricultural products that have grown from the earth and are picked, processed, and handled by multiple people along the way. The problem is that any residual moisture from rinsing can cause the fruits or vegetables to stick together when frozen, which then requires salad spinners or parchment paper or freezing on paper towels to combat the issue.

Blueberries, however, have a natural protective coating known as bloom. You’ve probably noticed this waxy, somewhat cloudy coating on your own berries. Blueberries produce the bloom to protect against pests and bacteria, but it is also naturally nonstick! Do not rinse the blueberries before freezing or you’ll remove the coating and have to dry, dry, dry the berries before freezing to prevent sticking.

[fairfarmhand]

17 minutes ago, happysmileylady said:

I always give my blueberries a good cold water rinse, store bought and from the U pick place. But then yes, I lay them all out on a tray to freeze individually, then dump them in the bag or container.  

Same. I go from the colander to a clean dishtowel, gather to towel by the corners to lift it and then onto a tray. 

Edited June 1, 2020 by fairfarmhand

[prairiewindmomma]

I rinse, dry on a towel for a few minutes, then flash freeze individually on a tray.

I dump frozen berries into my smoothies...I am not going to pull them out of the freezer and then rinse them, iykwim.

 

[gardenmom5]

because they are nicely round, I just toss them in the freezer and don't have much issue with them sticking together.  those that do, are usually overripe.  those that aren't - generally will come apart easily.

[mlktwins]

9 minutes ago, happysmileylady said:

I don't find drying them to be terribly labor intensive, and I spread them all out across the sheet tray anyway.  I don't have any issues with them sticking together.

Thank you!  It was easy for my strawberries - I just laid them out on paper towels first.