How To Freeze Strawberries

Want to enjoy strawberries in the winter? Most of us who like strawberries enjoy them seasonally, but why not freeze them to enjoy all year long? Learn how to freeze strawberries whole, sliced, and puréed.

Strawberries, with their vibrant red hue and sweet, juicy flavor, are a true symbol of the start of summer. Whether you have just returned from a fun strawberry-picking adventure at a local u-pick farm or have an abundant harvest from your own garden, freezing strawberries is an excellent way to enjoy their delectable goodness long after the season has ended.

In this article, we will explore several methods for freezing strawberries, how to use frozen strawberries in various recipes, and step-by-step instructions to ensure your frozen strawberries retain flavor and texture.

Selecting the Perfect Strawberries

When it comes to freezing strawberries, the quality of the berries you choose plays a significant role in the final result. Here are tips for selecting the perfect strawberries for freezing:

• Ripe and Fresh: Look for fully ripe strawberries, as they will have the best flavor and sweetness. Ripe strawberries will be vibrant red in color, with no traces of green or white patches. They should also have a glossy appearance, indicating their freshness.
• Plump and Firm: When selecting strawberries to freeze, it’s best to choose ones that are plump and firm. Soft or mushy strawberries may not freeze well and could potentially affect the flavor.
• Avoid Mold or Bruising: Inspect the strawberries closely and ensure they are free from any signs of mold, dark spots, insect damage, or bruising. Moldy or damaged strawberries should be discarded, as they can negatively affect the quality of the frozen strawberries and potentially lead to spoilage.
• Locally Grown: If possible, opt for locally grown strawberries. Locally sourced strawberries are fresher and more flavorful than those transported over long distances. Visit local farmers’ markets or U-pick farms to find freshly harvested strawberries for freezing.

By selecting the ripest, freshest, and highest-quality strawberries, you ensure that the frozen strawberries retain their flavor, texture, and overall quality. Remember that the quality of the strawberries at the time of freezing will directly impact the taste and enjoyment of your frozen strawberry treats later on.

Preparing Strawberries for Freezing

Properly preparing strawberries before freezing will help ensure they freeze well and maintain their quality and flavor.

Wash the Strawberries

Begin by gently rinsing the strawberries well under cold running water. This helps remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides that may be present on the surface. Gently rub the berries with your fingers to ensure all areas are cleaned thoroughly.

After rinsing, spread the berries out on a clean kitchen towel. Let them air dry, or gently pat them dry using towels. Removing excess moisture helps prevent ice crystals from forming during the freezing process, which can affect the texture and quality of the strawberries.

Remove the Hulls

Hulling involves removing the green caps and any tough stems from the strawberries. There are a couple of methods you can use:

• Paring Knife: Hold the strawberry firmly and insert the tip of a paring knife at a slight angle just below the stem. Carefully rotate the knife around the stem, following the natural curve of the strawberry, until the cap pops off.
• Strawberry Huller: Alternatively, you can use a strawberry huller, a small tool specifically designed for removing the stem and hull. Insert the huller into the strawberry, twist it gently, and then pull it out, taking the stem and hull along with it.

By following these steps to wash, dry, and hull the strawberries before freezing, you ensure that the berries are clean, free from excess moisture, and ready for the freezing process.

Ways to Freeze Strawberries

Once the strawberries are hulled, you have several options for freezing. Think about how you will use your frozen strawberries and then freeze them accordingly. Your future self will thank you.

Frozen whole strawberries are the most versatile and can be sliced or mashed as needed for recipes, while sliced strawberries are ideal for using in baked goods, jams, or sauces. Having strawberry puree in your freezer makes it easy to pop into a blender and combine with your favorite fruits, yogurt, or milk for a refreshing smoothie.

Properly stored frozen strawberries can maintain their quality for up to 8 to 12 months in the freezer. Below are the steps for each method:

Freezing Whole Strawberries

Freezing whole strawberries is a simple and convenient method, especially if you want to grab a few berries to use as toppings or enjoy them as a snack.

1. Place the washed and hulled whole strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
2. Then place the baking sheet in the freezer and let them freeze for about 2 to 3 hours or until firm. This flash-freezing method helps prevent the individual berries from sticking together, allowing you to easily grab individual frozen strawberries as needed.
3. Once the strawberries are frozen and firm, transfer them into airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can, and seal. Label the containers with the date and contents for future reference.

Freezing Sliced Strawberries

If you intend to use the strawberries in baked goods, jams, or sauces, slicing them before freezing is a good option.

1. Slice the strawberries to your desired thickness.
2. Use measuring cups to measure the amount of prepared strawberries for your recipes. I like to freeze in 1-cup measurements.
3. Or consider flash-freezing sliced strawberries as described above in the freezing whole strawberries section. That way, they won’t stick together, and you can measure what you need for a recipe while they are frozen.
4. Then transfer the sliced strawberries into airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date and amount.
5. Place the containers in the freezer and freeze until solid.

Freezing Strawberry Puree

Another option is to puree the strawberries before freezing.

1. Place the hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can sweeten the puree with sugar or other sweeteners if desired.
2. Once you have a smooth puree, transfer it to ice cube trays or airtight freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
3. Label the containers with the date and contents.
4. Place the containers in the freezer and freeze until solid.
5. Pop out the frozen ice cubes and store them in a freezer bag.

Ways to Use Frozen Strawberries Without Thawing

There are several ways to use frozen strawberries without thawing them first. Here are a few ideas:

• Baked Goods: Frozen strawberries can be added directly to the batters of baked goods such as quick breads, strawberry muffins, and cookies. Leaving them frozen can help prevent them from turning mushy and losing shape during baking. Incorporate the frozen strawberries into the filling mixture, and as the baked goods cook, the strawberries will release their juices and create a delicious fruity flavor.
• Smoothies: Frozen strawberries are perfect for making refreshing and creamy smoothies. Simply blend the frozen strawberries with your choice of liquid (such as milk, yogurt, or juice) and other desired ingredients like bananas, spinach, or protein powder. The frozen strawberries will contribute to a thick and icy texture, creating a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
• Frozen Treats: Frozen strawberries can be used to make various frozen treats without thawing. You can blend them with a sweetener of your choice (such as honey or maple syrup) and freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for homemade strawberry popsicles. Alternatively, you can combine frozen strawberries with a little sugar and blend them into a sorbet-like consistency for a quick and easy frozen dessert.
• Sauces and Syrups: Frozen strawberries can be transformed into flavorful sauces and syrups for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or desserts. Simply heat the frozen strawberries in a saucepan with a bit of sugar or sweetener and cook until they break down and release their juices. You can blend the mixture for a smoother texture or leave it chunky for a more rustic sauce.

Thawing Frozen Strawberries

Thawed strawberries can be used in various recipes that don’t require the strawberries to hold their shape, such as smoothies, sauces, or baked goods. Thawed strawberries can also be enjoyed as is, as a topping, or mixed into yogurt or cereal.

Since the freezing process breaks down the cell walls, thawed strawberries will have a slightly softer texture compared to fresh strawberries.

Despite the changes in texture, the flavor of thawed strawberries is generally well preserved. The sweetness and taste of the berries remain intact, allowing you to enjoy the familiar and delicious strawberry flavor.

Here are two common methods for thawing frozen strawberries:

Refrigerator Thawing

Thawing strawberries in the refrigerator takes a bit of planning, but it is the best method for thawing frozen strawberries because it causes less damage to the already soft fruit. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the desired amount of frozen strawberries from the freezer. Measure the strawberries while they are frozen to get an accurate measurement for your recipe.
2. Place the frozen strawberries in a container or bowl to catch any liquid. Cover them so they don’t absorb odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
3. Put the container in the refrigerator and allow the strawberries to thaw slowly. This process typically takes a few hours to overnight, depending on the quantity and size of the strawberries.
4. Use the thawed strawberries right away.

Quick Thawing

If you need to use the strawberries immediately and don’t have the luxury of waiting for the refrigerator thawing process, you can opt for a quick thawing method. Follow these steps:

1. Place the desired amount of frozen strawberries in a sealed plastic bag, ensuring it is properly sealed to prevent water from entering.
2. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the sealed bag of strawberries in the water.
3. Leave the bag in the water for about 30 minutes, occasionally agitating or gently massaging the bag to help distribute the temperature evenly.
4. After 30 minutes, check the strawberries. If they are still slightly frozen, you can continue to soak them for a bit longer until fully thawed.
5. Once thawed, remove the strawberries from the bag and use them immediately. Avoid refreezing previously thawed strawberries.

It’s important to note that quick thawing is a convenient method but may result in slightly softer strawberries compared to refrigerator thawing. Therefore, it’s best to use quick-thawed strawberries in recipes where their texture won’t significantly affect the final outcome.

Ways to Use Thawed Strawberries

Thawed strawberries are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of delicious ways, offering a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to your recipes.

Whether you have thawed whole strawberries, sliced berries, or strawberry puree, there are numerous possibilities to explore. Here, we will delve into some inspiring ideas on how to make the most of your frozen strawberries, unlocking their full potential in various dishes and treats.

Using Whole Thawed Strawberries

• Toppings: Use whole thawed strawberries as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. The berries’ softened texture and juicy nature make them a delightful addition.
• Salad Enhancer: Add whole thawed strawberries to fresh green salads or fruit salads for a burst of flavor and juiciness.
• Infused Water or Lemonade: Drop a few whole, thawed strawberries into a pitcher of water or lemonade to infuse it with a subtle flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Snacking: Sweeten with a little sugar or honey, and enjoy whole thawed strawberries as a refreshing and healthy snack on their own.

Using Sliced Thawed Strawberries

• Baked Goods: Incorporate sliced, thawed strawberries into recipes like muffins, cakes, pies, tarts, or cobblers. The softer texture of the berries works well in baked goods, adding moistness and fruity flavor.
• Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing: This homemade dressing adds a burst of fruity flavor and a vibrant pink hue to your salads. It pairs well with a variety of greens, such as spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
• Sauces and Compotes: Cook strawberries with sugar to create a delicious sauce or compote. Use it as a topping for strawberry shortcake, ice cream or as a filling for pastries.
• Strawberry Jam: Cook with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin to make homemade strawberry jam. Spread it on toast or biscuits, or use it in various sweet treats. Follow this recipe: Low Sugar Strawberry Jam.
• Cocktails and Mocktails: Muddle sliced thawed strawberries to release their juices and incorporate them into cocktails, mocktails, or fruity beverages for added flavor and color.

Using Thawed Strawberry Puree

• Smoothies and Protein Shakes: Use strawberry puree as a base for smoothies or protein shakes. Blend it with yogurt, milk, or your preferred ingredients for a refreshing and fruity beverage.
• Dessert Sauces: The thawed strawberry puree can be used as a sauce for desserts like cheesecakes, ice cream, or panna cotta. Drizzle it over the desserts for a burst of strawberry flavor.
• Frozen Treats: Incorporate thawed strawberry puree into homemade ice creams, sorbets, or popsicles for a luscious strawberry taste.
• Fruit Fillings: Use thawed strawberry puree as a filling for cakes, pastries, or crepes. It adds a vibrant flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.

These are just a few ideas to inspire you to use thawed strawberries in various ways. Get creative and experiment with these suggestions to enjoy the deliciousness of strawberries even after they are frozen and thawed.

Freezing strawberries is a convenient way to preserve their freshness and flavor year-round. Whether you freeze whole berries, slice them, or turn them into a puree, there are endless possibilities for using frozen strawberries in your recipes.

From topping yogurt and salads with whole berries to incorporating sliced strawberries into baked goods and sauces, or using strawberry puree in smoothies and dessert sauces, frozen strawberries add a burst of fruity goodness to your dishes.

Embrace the versatility of frozen strawberries and experiment with these ideas to enjoy their delightful taste and vibrant color throughout the year. So go ahead, freeze those luscious strawberries, and unlock a world of delicious possibilities!