This is a guest-post written by Leeanthro who blogs at Soy is the New Black where she talks about family, food, foraging, and frivolity.

There is one thing we love to buy in quantity at the local farmer’s market and berry farms.  If you’ve taken a look at the photo below, then you know it is fresh blueberries.

Blueberries, Flickr

When blueberries are at their peak and available at the lowest prices of the year (usually in July and August) I like to buy in bulk. Of all the fresh produce that can be stored for use throughout the year, blueberries are one of the easiest. Just rinse them, spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, and freeze. Once frozen they can be placed in bags or reusable containers and you can dip into your stash taking as few or many as you need.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. But let’s face it, they are just plain yummy. Just ask my four-year-old daughter. She wants them in everything these days. Here are five ways that we use frozen blueberries throughout the year. (You can also use frozen blueberries purchased at the store, but buying locally and freezing is my preferred method.)

5 Ways To Use Frozen Blueberries Throughout The Year

1. Frozen Blueberries In Yogurt – Instead of buying individual containers of organic fruit-flavored yogurt geared towards kids, I buy a large tub of organic vanilla yogurt. The price difference is amazing. We stir in frozen blueberries (if I am in a rush) or slightly thawed berries (microwaved about 15 seconds). The flavor and texture surpasses the already flavored yogurts.
2. Frozen Blueberries In Pancakes – Who doesn’t love pancakes? When making enough pancake batter to serve 2-3 people, add in 1/4 cup of blueberries (thawed and drained).
3. Frozen Blueberries In Oatmeal – Sweeten a steaming bowl of steel cut oats with blueberries instead of brown sugar. Mix the frozen berries right in and add a little milk for a breakfast that will get you through the morning.
4. Frozen Blueberry Snack – Want a sweet treat after dinner? My daughter loves a bowl of frozen blueberries. Granted her teeth, lips, and hands are usually purple at the end of the meal, but she enjoys popping the little frozen treats in her mouth.
5. Frozen Blueberry Muffins: Thaw and drain frozen blueberries and add them to your favorite basic muffin recipe.

If you’re like us, your stash of blueberries won’t last the entire year.

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