This quick primer explains how to pick blueberries—plus gardener's tips for washing, storing and freezing blueberries.
How to Pick the Best Blueberries
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
For me, picking blueberries at a U-pick farm is one of the greatest joys of summer. It means a family excursion to the same farm we’ve been visiting for years! It’s easy to recruit helpers since picking blueberries is easy and fun, and we always have a friendly competition to see who picks the most. My daughter is the chief berry picker in our household—likely because she has the amazing discipline to not sample them as she goes. I can’t resist their sweet appeal, which seems to me a fine prize for coming in second or third. Then, when we get home, a Cape Cod Blueberry Pie is the first dessert out of the oven.
How to Pick Blueberries at a Farm
There are lots of different varieties of blueberries that ripen at different times, which makes it easy to hit the blueberry-picking harvest window. Picking blueberries is easier than picking many berries, since you don’t have to stoop over to pick them, and the berries aren’t hidden behind leaves. It’s also easy to spot ripe berries. They are solid blue and firm. Blueberries do not ripen further once picked (unlike these fruits that do continue to ripen), so avoid those with white or green on them, and discard berries that are soft and overripe.
How to Pick Blueberries at the Grocery Store
While blueberries at the store are rarely underripe, they can be overripe—which happens when they are picked and then stored for too long. Look for berries that are plump, with no wrinkled or sunken parts. Be sure to inspect all sides if they’re in a clear clamshell container.
How to Store Fresh Blueberries
Blueberries are more durable than other berries, and can last for 10 to 14 days if stored properly. Rinse them in a colander when you bring them home and remove any stems, then dry them on a sheet pan with paper towels to absorb the water. (You can also wash berries in a vinegar and water solution.) Put the blueberries in a container that can breathe, like this produce keeper, and refrigerate. If you’ve had them for more than a week, pick through the blueberries to find any soft, overripe fruit before using.
To keep the fruit as fresh as possible, don’t make any of these berry mistakes.
How to Freeze Blueberries
Blueberries freeze really well and are great to have on hand for all kinds of blueberry dessert recipes. Rinse and dry the blueberries on paper towels on a sheet pan, then place the pan in the freezer for 4-6 hours. Once frozen, pour the berries into a zip-close bag, label and re-freeze. They should be good for up to a year. You can enjoy the taste of summer months later in this Peach Blueberry Crumble Tart!
Recipes to Make with Fresh Blueberries
Blueberry Yogurt MuffinsWith the addition of vanilla yogurt, this basic muffin turns out moist and tender. It’s easy and quick to prepare. My husband loves these muffins for breakfast on mornings when he is rushing out the door. —Cindi Budreau, Neenah, Wisconsin
Try this blueberry waffles recipe, just the thing for a cozy breakfast at home.
Buttery Blueberry CobblerAs the name implies, this is a recipe that is rich and delicious. Since you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries, you can make this easy blueberry cobbler year-round. —Marjorie Green, South Haven, Michigan
Blueberry CrispWith a tender crumb topping, this yummy blueberry crisp makes a wonderful treat after brunch or an evening meal. I sometimes top servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.—Mona Wright, Villa Rica, Georgia
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice PopsThese delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Blueberry BiscuitsLemon and blueberries make such a fresh and flavorful combination in all kinds of baked goods, especially these biscuits. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta SaladI'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Mini Blueberry TartsI served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn't spend tons of time on it thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don't brown too quickly. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Blueberry-Blackberry Rustic TartMy dad would always stop our car on the side of the road in Maine and say, "I smell blueberries." He had a pail ready. Then Mom would bake the wild berries in a cornmeal crust to make this homey tart. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
No-Bake Blueberry CheesecakeBecause this no-bake blueberry cheesecake doesn't contain eggs, it's lighter but also very creamy and refreshing.—Ken Gallagher, Hastings, Nebraska
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry VinaigretteWe love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
Slow-Cooked Blueberry GruntIf you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Blueberry JamHomemade blueberry jam adds an instant flavor boost to your favorite foods. Dollop a spoonful onto oatmeal or fluffy pancakes and waffles for a sweet, tart, purple-colored upgrade.
Blueberry Lemon MuffinsOur blueberry lemon muffins, with pops of juicy blueberries and a bright zip of citrus, are for lovers of treats both sweet and tart.
Lemon-Blueberry Pound CakeLovely, lemony pound cake studded with blueberries is a stunning bake that's actually a snap to make. The velvety cake gets its rich flavor from a trifecta of cream cheese, butter and lemon yogurt.
Blueberry Romaine SaladI love to bring this delicious salad to school gatherings. The homemade dressing couldn't be simpler, so I whip it up in advance and just give it a quick toss with the other ingredients when I get to any event. —Kris Bristol, Charlotte, Michigan
Blueberry French Toast CasseroleOvernight blueberry French toast casserole gives you a company-worthy breakfast without the morning scramble to get it on the table.
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice CreamBlueberries? Love them. Blueberry cheesecake? Even better. Blueberry cheesecake ice cream? Now you’re talking!
Red, White and Blue Summer SaladIn this dish, I combine traditional Caprese salad flavors with summer peaches and blueberries. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
Lemon Blueberry TrifleThis easy, colorful and crowd-friendly lemon blueberry trifle recipe requires just five ingredients and 15 minutes of your time.
Blueberry Fruit SmoothieThis fruit smoothie recipe is one of my favorites. The yummy blend just might take you back to soda-fountain days…but it's a nutritious low-fat alternative to traditional malts, shakes and sodas. —Mary LaJoie, Glenoma, Washington
Blueberry Banana BreadOur blueberry banana bread is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their go-to banana bread recipe. It's fresh, bright and oh-so fruity.
Blueberry SaladBlueberries are a fun surprise in this spinach and blueberry salad. They're all the more special when they're combined with blue cheese and toasted pecans.
Blueberry-Rhubarb CrispTender fruit and a crunchy topping make for a perfect summer combo. Our blueberry-rhubarb crisp recipe is a twist on the usual strawberry-rhubarb version and is just as wonderful (especially with a scoop of ice cream).
Blueberry-Dijon ChickenBlueberries and chicken may seem like a strange combination, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised. I add a sprinkling of minced fresh basil as the finishing touch. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Two-Berry Fluff SaladThis fluffy salad is a welcome treat on warm Texas afternoons. Because there's a blueberry orchard near our home, we often pick up berries to use in this recipe and others. When blueberries and strawberries aren't in season, you can substitute frozen berries with equally good results. —Karen Wenzel, Conroe, Texas
Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet PotatoesA sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Skillet Blueberry SlumpMy mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We’ve been enjoying slump desserts for 60 years. —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota
Blueberry PancakesThe blueberries in our blueberry pancakes aren’t the only star of the show: cornmeal, oats, buttermilk and nutmeg give these pancakes an extra oomph of complex flavor and a hearty-yet-fluffy tenderness.
Jalapeno Cornbread Filled with Blueberry Quick JamFresh jalapenos and blueberry quick jam make the perfect blend of sweet and spicy in this special cornbread. Once you eat one piece, you won't be able to resist going back for another. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Blueberry-Sausage Breakfast CakeI fix this breakfast cake for my co-workers often. The blueberries and sausage are such a nice sweet-salty flavor combo. —Peggy Frazier, Indianapolis, Indiana
Lemon Blueberry Whoopie PiesLemon blueberry whoopie pies are a dessert that captures the flavors of summer. Plus, they're quite easy to make from scratch.
Blueberry Zucchini SquaresI saw a bar recipe using apple and lemon zest on a muffin mix. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a nifty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Blueberry Ice CreamIf you churn only one homemade ice cream this summer, it should be this blueberry ice cream. Each scoop has a subtle tart, floral flavor and intense purple hue.
Blueberry-Lemon Upside-Down CakeI was young when I married, so I watched my mother-in-law to learn baking. This cake with fresh blueberries is one of her beauties. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
Baked Blueberry PancakeFor a quick breakfast, I make this pancake while I fix supper the night before, and then I cut them into squares or triangles. In the morning, I top them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. The pancake recipe is innovative and takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. —Norna Detig, Lindenwood, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Turkey with Berry CompoteWe love to eat turkey, and on hot summer days, here's how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Blueberry CornbreadMy husband is a fourth-grade teacher, and he incorporates monthly baking projects into the curriculum. His recipe for blueberry cornbread is a class favorite. —Jennifer Martin, Martinez, California
GaletteMy husband's favorite pie is blueberry, made with fresh-picked northern Ontario blueberries. Adding peaches and a rustic crust creates a bit of summer fun, perfect for a picnic. —Christine Kropp, London, Ontario
Fresh Blueberry Recipes FAQ
What can I make when I have too many blueberries?
If you have too many blueberries, you can whip up a batch of blueberry muffins, bake a comforting blueberry cobbler or simmer a quick blueberry sauce or compote for pancakes. Slightly overripe berries are great for sauces, smoothies or jam since their softer texture works well when cooked or blended.
Can I freeze fresh blueberries for later?
Blueberries freeze beautifully and retain their freshness and flavor when frozen. To freeze blueberries, give them a quick rinse and pat them dry. Lay them on a tray or a plate in a single layer and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. This method prevents the blueberries from clumping, making them easier to portion as needed.
How can I substitute dried or frozen blueberries in fresh blueberry recipes?
You can use frozen blueberries in most recipes that call for fresh. Don’t worry about thawing the fruit for recipes with frozen blueberries, either. Adding frozen berries to batters reduces the chances that the color will bleed. Dried blueberries are best for baked goods and trail mixes. Just note they are more concentrated in sweetness and chew.
