Unlock the secret to perfectly frozen strawberries picked fresh from the field. Find out the best way to freeze fresh picked strawberries to keep their flavor and texture intact – without getting mushy! Say goodbye to freezer burn with our step-by-step guide to perfectly frozen strawberries every time.
This post contains affiliate links. Should a purchase be made, Love Beauty Thrive may receive a small commission at no added cost to you. Affiliate disclosure is available here. Thank you.
How Do You Freeze Fresh Picked Strawberries?
It’s almost strawberry picking season! Strawberry picking from the fields is one of our favorite family activities for making summer memories. Everyone wants to pick their own basket (especially the kids) and we end up with TONS of ripe, sweet and juicy strawberries! We each pick a recipe, but it can be hard to use them all up – so we freeze the rest of them.
If you have ever tried to freeze fresh picked strawberries though, you know how difficult it can be to do without them turning mushy. You definitely need to find the best way to freeze them to keep their flavor and texture instant. Fear not! With our step-by-step guide, just say goodbye to yucky freezer burn and hello to perfectly frozen fresh picked strawberries.
By following these very simple steps, you can freeze fresh picked strawberries and enjoy their delicious flavor and texture all year long. Don’t let freezer burn ruin your strawberries any longer. Start using this freezing technique today and enjoy perfectly preserved strawberries whenever you want!
The Best Technique for Freezing Fresh Picked Strawberries
Are you tired of biting into a mushy, freezer-burned strawberry? Have you ever picked fresh strawberries from the field at the beginning of summer and wondered how you can enjoy their deliciousness all year round? Look no further. With the right technique (hint, it’s this one), you can freeze fresh picked strawberries and maintain their flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step, from choosing the perfect strawberries to thawing them perfectly. Say goodbye to wasted strawberries and hello to perfectly preserved ones. Let’s get started!
Choose the Perfect Strawberries
Before you start freezing, make sure you are starting with the perfect strawberries. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and without any signs of mold or bruising. If you can, pick or buy them on the same day you plan to freeze them. This ensures that you are working with the freshest fruit possible.
If you are picking them fresh from the field, check in with your local berry farmer to find out the most ideal times to “pick-your-own” perfectly ripe strawberries at the peak of the season (often in June and July). They will be able to guide you on the best time to pick in your area. And it’s great to support local farmers!
Size also matters when selecting strawberries for freezing. Smaller berries freeze better than larger ones, so choose berries that are uniform in size. This way, they will freeze and thaw at the same rate, ensuring that all your berries are perfectly preserved.
Lastly, make sure to wash and dry your strawberries thoroughly before starting the freezing process (we’ll touch on this again in the next step too so be sure to read on). Drying your strawberries is one of the most important steps in freezing them in the right way. Any excess moisture can lead to freezer burn, so pat them dry with a paper towel before freezing. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to perfectly preserved strawberries that taste just as good as the day they were picked. Next up, let’s prep the strawberries for freezing.
Prep the Strawberries for Freezing
To ensure that your strawberries freeze properly, you need to prep them before freezing. Start by rinsing your strawberries in cool water and removing the stems and green tops (keeping in mind the washing and drying suggestions above). It’s best to use a small paring knife or a strawberry huller to remove the tops.
Joie Stainless Steel Strawberry Huller
BUY ON AMAZON
Next, you can slice your strawberries into even pieces to ensure they freeze and thaw at the same rate (this is an optional step). While slicing is optional, keep in mind that the larger the pieces, the longer they will take to freeze and thaw. Additionally, smaller pieces will make it easier to measure out exactly how much you need for recipes later on.
Joie Simply Slice Strawberry Slicer
BUY ON AMAZON
After slicing, pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture (remember, this is one of the most important steps). This will help prevent freezer burn when they are stored. If your strawberries end up mushy once thawed, it’s possible they were just not quite dry enough before freezing.
With your strawberries now prepped and ready for freezing, it’s time to move on to packing and sealing them for long-term storage.
Pack and Seal the Strawberries
To ensure your freshly picked strawberries stay fresh and delicious, it’s important to properly pack and seal them for freezing. This is a two-step process: 1) initially properly freezing your strawberries, and 2) correct storage in the freezer. For step 1, start by placing sliced or whole strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (not wax paper). Make sure to leave some space between each strawberry to prevent them from sticking and freezing together.
Once the strawberries are frozen solid, it’s time to begin step 2. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Press out any excess air before sealing the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Now your strawberries are ready for long-term storage in the freezer.
Label and date your strawberries before storing them in the freezer so you can easily keep track of their freshness (we’ll discuss this in a bit more detail next). This will also prevent you from digging through your freezer trying to identify mystery items months later. With your strawberries properly packed and labeled, you can enjoy their sweet flavor all year long.
Label and Date Your Strawberries
Label and date your strawberries before storing them in the freezer to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. This simple step can save you the hassle of guessing how long they’ve been in the freezer or having to throw them out due to freezer burn. Plus, it will make it easier to identify them later on if you’re digging through your freezer looking for a specific item. With your strawberries properly labeled and packed, you can confidently store them in the freezer for longer-term future use. Now, let’s discuss step 2 a little bit more move: properly storing your strawberries in the freezer longer-term.
Store Your Strawberries in the Freezer
After you have successfully labeled and dated your strawberries, it is time to store them in the freezer. You already know exactly how you should pack them now! As we talked about, the best way is to first arrange your strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet and then put them in the freezer. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, remove any air, and seal tightly. This method is the best way because it will prevent the strawberries from sticking together and ensure that they freeze evenly.
Now, how long can you store your perfectly frozen and packed strawberries in the freezer? Remember that frozen strawberries can last up to six months in the freezer, but they are definitely best used within the first three months to maintain their quality and taste. With proper labeling and storage, you can easily enjoy fresh-tasting strawberries all year round.
What’s next? Now that your strawberries are safely stored in the freezer, the next step is to thaw them properly. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too with our easy guide to thawing your strawberries perfectly.
Thaw Your Strawberries Perfectly
Frozen strawberries are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the taste of fresh picked strawberries year-round. However, it is very important to thaw them properly to prevent them from becoming mushy or losing their flavor.
The best way to thaw frozen strawberries is to move them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw slowly overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. This slow thawing process will help the strawberries retain their shape, texture, and taste – minimizing mushiness as much as possible!
If you need to thaw your strawberries quickly, you can also use the cold water method. Simply place the frozen strawberries in a colander or strainer and hold it under cold running water for a few minutes until they are thawed. Be sure not to use warm or hot water, as this can cause the strawberries to become mushy.
Once your strawberries are thawed, you can use them in your favorite recipes, such as smoothies, jams, or baked goods. If you’d like, check out our recipe for Summer Berry Protein Smoothies. It’s a perfect, healthy and delicious way to use your frozen fresh picked strawberries! Also, keep in mind that thawed strawberries should be used within 2-3 days to ensure their quality and freshness.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the taste of fresh strawberries all year long, even when they are out of peak season. So go ahead, stock up on those fresh picked strawberries from the field and freeze them for future use!
Step-By-Step Summary to Freezing Strawberries
- First, wash the strawberries in cool, running water to remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to remove the stems and any damaged or overripe berries.
- Next, slice the strawberries into desired sizes. You can slice them in half, quarters, or leave them whole.
- Spread the sliced strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure none of the strawberries are touching each other so that they do not stick or freeze together.
- Place the tray in the freezer and let the strawberries freeze until they are solid, which should take about 2-3 hours.
- Once the strawberries are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and remove as much air as possible before sealing it tightly. This will help prevent freezer burn and preserve the quality of the strawberries.
- Label the container with the date and contents, and return it to the freezer. Frozen strawberries can last up to 6-8 months if stored properly (but are ideally used within 3 months).
Kitchen Tools to Freeze Fresh Picked Strawberries
Looking for more fun and useful kitchen tools to help you whip up all those delicious strawberry desserts? Here is another one of Amazon’s highly rated strawberry necessities for your kitchen.
Chef’n Slicester Strawberry Slicer
BUY ON AMAZON
So, How Do You Freeze Fresh Picked Strawberries?
In conclusion, freezing fresh picked strawberries the right way can sometimes be a challenging task, but only if you don’t know the right steps! With the right technique, you can preserve their flavor and texture all year long. Remember to choose the perfect strawberries, prep them carefully, pack and seal them correctly, label and date them, store them in the freezer, and thaw them perfectly. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the sweet taste of summer no matter the season. So don’t let freezer burn ruin your strawberries any longer (no more mushy strawberries!)—try this technique and indulge in perfectly preserved strawberries anytime.
Life is short, eat the berries.
Follow on Pinterest
Show us some love! Follow Love Beauty Thrive on Pinterest here. Save this post for later using this pin.
You May Also Like
Summer Berry Protein Smoothies
