Why Frozen Wild Blueberries are Actually Fresher

When we see or hear the word “frozen” in front of different foods, we automatically think it’s not good for us or that those foods aren’t nutritious. In reality, many frozen foods – especially fruits and vegetables – may have more nutritious value than their fresh counterparts. For example, the wild blueberry.

This tiny, native American fruit grown in Maine is frozen within 24 hours of harvest. In fact, 99% of the wild blueberry crop is sold frozen. It’s as if you stepped in the wild blueberry fields and picked it for yourself with the taste and nutrition locked in. In honor of Frozen Food Month, we’re here to set the record straight and bust some of the myths.

The truth is that frozen actually is fresher. Here’s why.

The Benefits of Flash Freezing Wild Blueberries

Did you know that:

Flash freezing fruit locks in fresh taste, nutrition, and convenience?
Research shows frozen fruit is often nutritionally superior to its fresh counterpart
40% of all food produced in the United States is not eaten before expiration. Frozen food can help reduce the food waste epidemic in the United States.
Frozen food generates 47% less food waste than ambient and chilled food in the home

What can we say, we love the facts! So, after you learn the benefits of flash freezing food, it’s important to also understand the journey wild blueberries (both frozen and fresh) make after being picked.

Understanding the Journey of the Frozen Wild Blueberry from Harvest to Household

Frozen Wild Blueberries:

First hours: Picked at peak of ripeness
24 hours: Washed and flash frozen to lock in key vitamins, minerals, and tasty goodness
Stored and delivered to the frozen foods aisle of your local grocery store, ready for you to bring home and enjoy!

Ordinary Fresh Blueberries are Picked Before They’re Ripe and Shipped All Over

Fresh Blueberries:

Day 1: Picked before they’re ripe
Day 2: Transported to packing house
Day 3-4: Packed for grocery store delivery
Day 5: Transported from packing house to distribution center
Day 6-7: Loaded on trucks to distribute
Day 8: Transported from distribution center to local and regional grocery store locations
Day 9-14: Arrival to grocery stores
Day 5-20: Arrival to your home

The more you know…right? If you want to learn more about why frozen really is fresher, check out the Wild Blueberries website for more information. Happy Frozen Foods Month! Celebrate by picking up some frozen wild blueberries from your local grocery store (just make sure it says *wild* on the package).