Preserving blueberries without adding any extra liquid or sugar

With the exception of freezing, this method, which is similar to pickling, is one of the most popular ways to preserve blueberries. It is a very gentle method and it will preserve the taste and the structure of this wonderful fruit. Blueberries are excellent alone and there is no need to add sugar or any other liquids and still get the fresh taste of blueberries. Blueberries preserved in this way can be stored at a room temperature, so you may use the extra room in your freezer for other stuff.

How to use preserved blueberries?

Well, in the same way as fresh blueberries. Eat them directly or you may add them to breakfast porridges, smoothies or to any drinks. There are so many ways to enjoy blueberries. Use them on a vanilla ice cream, stuff them in muffins or other sweet pastries, or blend them to make frosting or shakes. The list goes on. Or you may attach a cute label to the glass and give blueberries to a friend or your neighbour as a gift.

Photo: Pixabay

Fruit preparation

Put blueberries in a strainer and rinse them several times with cold water. Let them sit in the strainer long enough to make sure they are completely dry. Throw away any unripe, damaged or withered blueberries. No mercy. Remove any stems. You may put damaged blueberries in a composter for example.

Blanching (whitening)

Fill a medium-sized pot to two-thirds with water and bring it to a boil. Wash blueberries thoroughly and then wrap them in a cloth towel. Use a towel that you don’t mind destroying because the towel will turn blue. Use about 500 g. If you do blanching before pickling you will be able to preserve the flavour and texture better and you can use them just like fresh blueberries – on yogurt, pancakes, muffins or anything you like. Submerge the towel with blueberries in boiling water and gently swirl back and forth for 30 seconds.

TIP: Tie a knot on the cloth towel and slide a wooden spoon through it. Place the wooden spoon on the pot. This will allow you to remove the towel easier.

Pickling

When you are done with the blanching process, fill the prepared glasses with blueberries. You do not need to sterilize the jars or glasses. Simply close the jars with lids. Put the glasses into a pot and boil it for about 15 minutes (If you used glasses larger than 500 ml, extend the boiling time to 20 minutes). The fruit may shrink a little during the process and will release the juice which is normal. Blueberries preserved in this way will last you for about one year at a room temperature. After that, you can still use them, but the quality will go gradually down. Store opened glasses in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Preview photo: Pixabay