If you are wondering how to freeze strawberries you are in the right place. Freezing strawberries is incredibly quick and easy and a great way to keep them fresh all year round.
You made a weekend trip to the farmers market and came home with a huge bounty of fresh, big strawberries. Or maybe you went to a strawberry patch and picked more than you can have at the moment.
We’ve all been there. Strawberries are so beautiful and oh so delicious we sometimes go overboard when bringing them home.
On the other hand the strawberry season is incredibly short lived and I’m always looking for ways to make it last a bit longer. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a berry smoothie in the morning?
Can strawberries be frozen
TOTALLY! Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to freeze and they also keep incredibly well for a long time making them the ultimate freezer friendly staple.
The great thing is that freezing strawberries is also the best way to preserve them for a long time. With the right technique the end result is A-MA-ZING.
How to freeze strawberries [Step by Step]
Now that you are ready to preserve your berries for a long time (yay freezer!) it’s time to get started.
Wash and pick
The first step is to wash your berries to get rid of the dirt. You can use water alone or add a tablespoon vinegar for every 5 cups of water to make sure your berries end up squeaky clean.
After washing them also pick out the mushy berries that are past their prime, those don’t freeze as well.
Dry the strawberries
Now that your strawberries are clean and you took out all the ones that are past their prime is time to dry them.
The easiest way is to spread them out on a paper towel and allow them to dry for a couple minutes. Lightly pat them dry.
Remove the stem (optional)
Strawberries can be frozen whole, sliced, halved, hulled, ust pick the style that better fits your lifestyle (and how you plan to eat them).
I personally prefer to remove the stem before freezing, That way I can use them while they are frozen for smoothies without needing to do anything else.
Arrange the berries in a baking sheet
This step is a total must if you don’t want to end up with a cluster of berries that are stuck together.
Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the berries on a single layer on top. Then take to the freezer overnight.
Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container
Now that your strawberries are frozen is time to store them for a loooong time. Transfer the frozen berries from the baking sheet to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can keep them frozen for up to 1 year.
FAQs about frozen strawberries
Do you need to wash strawberries before freezing them?
While it is not mandatory and strawberries are incredibly forgiving when it comes to freezing I highly advise you wash them beforehand.
The main reasons? You can pick out the mushy ones (which makes your frozen berries last longer) and also they are easier to use after, once they are frozen. After all, you don’t need to wash them once you are ready to eat them.
How do you freeze strawberries without getting mushy?
The secret for freezing strawberries that don’t get mushy is to first get rid of the ones that are too ripe. Then, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. That’s honestly the best thing you can do to result in firm frozen strawberries.
Is it better to freeze strawberries whole or sliced?
Whatever works for you! It’s easier to freeze them whole since you don’t have to do the slicing and also don’t need as much time to freeze them. However, you can freeze them whole, halved, hulled or sliced.
For how long can you keep strawberries in the freezer?
Frozen strawberries can last up to a year in the freezer! Make sure you are using a zip-top bag or airtight container so they preserve the right texture.
How to thaw frozen strawberries
Great! You are now the proud owner of a frozen strawberry batch. You can use them frozen or thaw them too.
The best way to defrost them if you have some time in your hands is to move them from the freezer to the fridge and let them thaw naturally, which prevents the strawberries from becoming too mushy.
If you are shorter on time you can also pop them in the microwave real quick. Just keep in mind the texture won’t be the same as fresh berries. Usually I only use this method if I’m planning on making jam or something where the texture is not the star.
Want to learn more about freezing your favorites?
- Check this post about how to freeze cupcakes the right way!
- Read how to freeze asparagus easily and in no time
- Save this post about how to freeze peaches and keep it on hand
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