The Reason Why I’ll Never Ever Buy Fresh Blueberries Again

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A close-up of fresh blueberries piled in a white bowl, showcasing their deep blue color and round shape.

I am a blueberry fanatic. Blueberry muffins. Berry-packed smoothies. Straight from the carton. These tiny blue, antioxidant-rich spheres of joy are absolutely delicious.

I used to exclusively buy them fresh — either at the grocery store or at the farmers market, when they are in season. In fact, I have to admit, I avoided the ones in the freezer aisle. I thought fresh blueberries were far superior to the frozen kind, but it turns out it’s actually the opposite. (I was surprised, too!) These days, you won’t find my freezer without them.

Related: Mashed PotatoesWhy You Should Always Have a Bag of Frozen Blueberries in Your Freezer

Frozen blueberries are the ultimate convenience. Like most frozen fruit, they’re typically picked at peak ripeness and quickly flash-frozen, so they pack great flavor. They’re easier to find (especially in those cold winter months) and can even be less expensive (more on that below). Chefs and professional cooks can’t recommend them enough — and I’m here to share yet another appealing attribute to their list.

At this moment, they’re also significantly cheaper. I’ve been paying $3 for a small container at the grocery stores where I live. (I can eat that in just one day!) Recently, I picked up a hefty 3-pound bag of the frozen ones for $8.99 at Costco. They’re easy to thaw (and use). At the rate I’m eating and baking with them, that should last me a few weeks and several batches of muffins.

What frozen fruit is always in your freezer? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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