I’m sure you’ve eaten fresh blueberries, but have you ever tried blueberry powder?
Like its name suggests, blueberry powder is simply dried blueberries that have been ground into a powder.
It can be used in a variety of ways and is a versatile and easy option to add more blueberry flavor and nutrition into foods.
So today, I’m going to show you how to make it and provide some inspiration for using it!
What Is Blueberry Powder Good For?
It’s no surprise that dietitians love blueberries and often recommend them to clients. Blueberries are a power-packed berry that provides a variety of nutrients to support good health.
In fact, some of the many benefits of blueberries include their ability to support healthy bones and muscles, provide a source of antioxidants, and support normal function.
They also contribute to anti-aging and aid in regulation of blood glucose levels.
Blueberries contain a variety of nutrients including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, fiber, copper, and manganese.
However, their primary benefit lies in the phytonutrient content.
Blueberries contain phytonutrients such as quercetin, catechin, resveratrol, and others. You may have heard of some of these nutrients…
For example, red wine contains resveratrol while green tea contains catechins. Instead of finding these nutrients in separate foods though, you can enjoy them all in the powdered version of blueberries.
Homemade Blueberry Powder Recipe
Making your own blueberry powder is fairly simple and highly versatile, especially if you have wild blueberries in your area.
Here’s how to make it:
Start by washing the blueberries. Sort through them and remove any leaves or stems.
By the way, you can even use frozen blueberries too.
Make sure to discard any blueberries that seem rotten or have any noticeable bad spots.
The next step involves breaking the blueberry skin. This will decrease the drying time. Many people use a knife or skewer.
If you don’t want to use this process, then you can blanch them in water for 30 seconds or process in a food processor until you end up with pieces of blueberry. Either method is fine to use.
Place the blueberries on dehydrator trays. Since they are a fruit with a high water content, it’s a good idea to use parchment or baking paper.
This will keep the dehydrator from staining and also prevent juice from building up on your machine.
Dry the blueberries at 135 G for 24-48 hours.
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for drying blueberries correctly if you need it.
And this is the dehydrator I recommend if you don’t already have one:
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Check them periodically to make sure they’re drying evenly. The time it takes to dry completely will vary depending on the juiciness of the berries in addition to humidity and other factors.
Let the berries come to room temperature and then condition them in a large container. That just means you shake the jar once or twice a day for a week.
If you notice any moisture, continue to dry them. Once you know that the blueberries are fully dried, use a blender or coffee grinder to pulse the berries until a powder forms.
Strain the powder to remove any seeds and then store the powder in an airtight container.
How to Keep It from Clumping Up (aka Caking)
You may find that blueberry powder starts to clump. You may think that it’s wet but it likely won’t be if you’ve followed the above process well.
Most of the time, the weight of the berries leads to compression clumping. You can prevent this with a few simple tips.
Add a desiccant pack in the storage container.
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This will reduce moisture and prevent any moisture-related clumping.
Moisture can get into the container over time so it’s not a bad idea to try this.
If you need to manually break up the clumps, use a wooden skewer or a small silicone spatula to stir the contents. Avoid any metal inside the canning jar since this may lead to micro-cracks.
Shake the jar periodically. Every time you use the powder, shake the jar to agitate the powder and break up any clumps. Just a few shakes each time you use it is usually enough.
You can also use an anti-caking agent such as arrowroot powder. Arrowroot powder works as an anti-caking agent. You only need 1/4 tsp for a 1 quart jar.
The powder doesn’t have much flavor but it will help keep your blueberry powder from clumping.
How to Store Blueberry Powder
There are several options to store blueberry powder. One of the simplest options is to store it in a mason jar with a tight lid.
You can also put it in a paper bag and then vacuum seal the bag to prevent any moisture. This is a better option if you’re looking for long-term storage.
If you plan on using the powder on a regular basis, then, you may want to store it in smaller mason jars so that you won’t have to expose each jar to oxygen and moisture.
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Keep the powder in a cool, dry place when not in use.
How Long Does Blueberry Powder Last?
Although you should periodically evaluate your dried blueberry powder, it’s good for anywhere from 6-12 months if stored properly.
Make sure to evaluate your powder periodically to see if any mold or bad spots have appeared. This is not common if you have been storing it properly.
Best Wild Blueberry Powder (When You Don’t Want to DIY)
When you don’t have access to your own blueberries or don’t feel like making your own, I recommend this blueberry powder!
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Made from Nordic berries, these blueberries are grown in Estonia and Finland where the berries experience long growing days.
The increased light and low temperature give the berries a strong flavor and higher antioxidant content as well.
Super delicious and perfect for smoothies and baked treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use blueberry powder?
There’s no shortage of ways to use blueberry powder, but it makes a great addition to smoothies, yogurt, and breakfast cereals like oatmeal.
You can also add it to desserts as a quick flavor addition for frostings or sprinkled on top of cheesecakes.
Here’s a collection of dried blueberry recipes. You can swap out the berries for the powder for more of an “infusion” of flavor.
