Frozen B.C. Blueberries - A Smart Choice

With frozen season upon us, it’s time to check out the frozen food section of your supermarket in order to get the very best in BC fruit – especially BC blueberries.

According to the research; because commercially packaged blueberries are frozen soon after they are picked, they are equal in quality to fresh. Frozen blueberries might even have the edge over fresh berries when it comes to health benefits as freezing blueberries makes their powerful antioxidants more available to the human body, according to the research.

This is because anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that make blueberries blue, are found in the skin of the berry. Freezing the berries creates tiny ice crystals that disrupt the structure of the cells, which in turn makes it easier for our system to access the anthocyanins contained within the skin.

When looking for BC blueberries in the frozen food section of your supermarket, be sure to check for the “BC Grown” label or the “Packaged in BC” wording on the container.

The Western Family label of frozen blueberries is available at Save On Foods, Price Smart Foods or Urban Fare. You can also find them at Thrifty Foods via Bergen Farms!

Alternatively, many of the farms where you may have purchased fresh blueberries in the summer often advertise their frozen supply throughout the fall and winter months.

Check out the recipes section at www.bcblueberry.com for more than 100 ways to use blueberries (fresh or frozen) in your meals and snacks throughout the day.

With over 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council has a strong commitment to on-farm food safety, working diligently with blueberry growers and collaborating with packers and processors to ensure that BC blueberries meet the highest standards for food safety and quality.