Step-wise guide on how to freeze strawberries whole without sugar. Make the best use of this berrylicious summer produce by freezing and using them for jam, smoothies, desserts the entire year!
In this blog post you will learn how to freeze fresh strawberries. With the right technique, freezing ensures berries stay fresh and you get to enjoy them year round in smoothies, desserts or homemade jam. Budget friendly and best use of seasonal produce.
Strawberries, besides Mango is my favorite fruit. They are tart, juicy and sweet. Since its available for such a short time, I buy and eat as much as I can.
Since I want strawberry season to last a little longer, I also freeze a big batch enough for 6-8 months.
I have been freezing strawberries since so many years now. I use them to make smoothies, fruit salad, milkshake or cakes.
If you follow the step-wise procedure correctly, you will never complain about frozen strawberries getting mushy.
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How to freeze fresh strawberries
Choose fresh strawberries. The skin should be clear of blemishes or marks. You can either source it from farmers market (organic) or visit a strawberry farm and pick the best strawberries yourself.
Always Rinse and NEVER SOAK strawberries. Use a colander so that the water drains quickly.
Remove hulls (green leaves). I keep the white portion intact. However, some prefer removing it completely.
You can use a strawberry huller or a paring knife for the above.
Before freezing strawberries, use a tea towel and dab to remove excess moisture.
Line a baking tray with a parchment paper and place the strawberries. The parchment paper ensures the strawberries don't stick to the tray while freezing.
Place the baking tray inside the freezer and let it remain undisturbed for 4 hours.
After 4 hours, you will notice the strawberries are hard as a rock. Quickly transfer the berries to a freezer safe bag or container (depending on your freezer size).
Remove excess air before closing the bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
Do you need to wash strawberries before freezing?
Thumb Rule - Unless you are ready to eat or freeze, do not wash strawberries.
Rinsing berries in a colander under running tap water is sufficient. I don't advise soaking strawberries as the longer it sits in the water, the faster it spoils.
It is important to wash or rinse strawberries before freezing to remove mold, traces of pesticides and / or mud particles.
Even if the strawberries are organic or farm fresh, consuming unwashed berries can cause illness due to contamination.
Is it necessary to freeze strawberries whole?
It's not necessary to freeze strawberries whole. You can slice or cut the strawberries in half before freezing. Since we use it more for smoothies or chia pudding, I prefer freezing them whole.
If you want to make jam or salad, slice or cut the strawberries into quarters.
Finely chopped strawberries will turn mushy as it thaws, making it suitable for making jam or compote.
How to use frozen strawberries
If making jam or compote, using for salad or fruit chaat - thaw frozen strawberries overnight in the refrigerator.
For milkshakes / smoothies / juice - use unthawed strawberries (straight from the freezer). You won't need ice.
Shelf life of frozen strawberries
I freeze more than 2-3 kilograms of strawberries that last me anywhere between 6-8 months, depending on usage.
Freezing in Vacuum seal bags maintains shelf life up to a year or more.
Freezer burn - Formation of ice crystals or tiny chunks of ice sticking to the fruit. Always remove excess air before sealing the freezer bag.
Freezer burn affects the taste of the fruit. I always prefer freezing in small portions so that produce doesn't go waste.
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How to freeze strawberries
Ingredients
- 500 grams Strawberries
Instructions
- Pick and choose fresh strawberries without marks, spots etc. Rinse them in a colander under running tap water. Drain water completely and pat dry the strawberries with a kitchen towel.
- Using a paring knife, remove hulls (green leaves). Note - Use paring knife or strawberry huller.
- Dab excess moisture, if any, using a clean, dry tea towel or kitchen cloth.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the strawberries.
- Place the tray in the freezer, undisturbed for 4 hours or until such time the strawberries are hard as rock.
- Remove the tray from the freezer and transfer the frozen strawberries to a zip-lock freezer safe bag or container.
- Before sealing the bags, remove excess air to avoid freezer burn.
- Store the bag in the freezer, until ready to use.
Video
Notes
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Vidya Narayan
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