Contributed By: Adventures in Freeze Drying
This recipe will make as many trays of blueberries as you choose to freeze dry*
Directions:
- Thaw blueberries in a colander until completely thawed
- Rinse
- On parchment lined trays, spread the blueberries out evenly into a single layer
- Freeze until frozen solid (24+ hours)
- Freeze Dry
- Store Appropriately (See Tips and Tricks for storage help)
Cycle Time:
24 hours
Rehydration:
Not intended, but these can be used in baking and smoothies etc.
* Large Tray = 8 Cups/tray Medium = 6 Cups/Tray Small = 4 Cups/Tray
Cycle times & rehydration for reference only. Your results may vary.
Comments (4)
Hi Gladys
Yes, we’ve had success with frozen blueberries without having to cut each one. But be sure you let them thaw out before putting on your trays. Then either refreeze in your freezer or let the freeze dryer do it. And don’t overload your trays.
It does take longer in the freeze dryer this way though. Another option is to blitz them in a blender or food processor quick before you freeze dry them. This opens them up some and makes for a faster cycle.
Hope that helps!
I have about 50 lbs of frozen blue berries in my freezer. I want to freeze dry them. { my freeze dryer is to be delivered Monday) Can I just put them on the trays like purchased berries. Also when my new berries come in do I have to puncher them or pre freeze before freeze drying
Hi Cindy,
I believe the reason that these store bought already frozen blueberries work this way is because they are put into a flash freezer by the manufacturer which expands the blueberries rapidly causing micro tears in their skin (why there is purple water/juice in the bag when you let them thaw). By allowing them to thaw once, these micro tears open up. Which then acts the same as puncturing them when they are fresh.
We have experienced major failure with FD blueberries, they were sticky and did not dry very well at all. These failures were when we first received the Medium Harvest Right over 3 years ago. We later learned that blueberries need to be punctured prior to FD. Fresh berries stick to the berry roller we purchased, and was just a mess.
Why do purchased frozen berries that are rinsed, thawed, and refrozen do not required to be punctured? How does this process allow the berries to fully freeze dry?
OR, we should try again with the newer software with the candy cycle.
I’m very curious!!
Thank you
Cindy