Freezing strawberries is an easy way to keep them for longer. When used in smoothies, frozen strawberries will add sweetness and thickness.
Jump to:
Freezing Strawberries
To get the most out of your strawberries, freeze them before they go bad. It will extend their shelf-life so you can use them later on.
Frozen strawberries are a great substitute for ice in smoothies. They’ll chill and thicken the drink without watering it down.
Freezing your own strawberries also lets you choose how they’re prepared. You can cut them in halves, quarters, or slices before freezing.
Always freeze strawberries when they’re most ripe, when they have the highest nutrients. This will ensure the frozen strawberries are just as healthy as fresh ones.
RELATED: 17 Strawberry Smoothie Recipes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the strawberries in a colander. Wash under cool running water.
Step 2: Place the strawberries on a clean towel. Pat dry.
Step 3: Cut the strawberries. Cut off the stems, then cut the strawberries in half. You can also cut them into quarters or slices.
Step 4: Place the strawberries on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 5: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer.
Step 6: Put the frozen strawberries in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
Choose ripe strawberries.
For the highest nutrient content, pick strawberries that are ripe. They should be firm and bright red.
Don’t freeze strawberries that are moldy, mushy, discolored, or bruised.
Only freeze dry strawberries.
After rinsing the berries, make sure they’re totally dry.
If the strawberries are damp, they’ll stick together in the freezer. This can make it hard to accurately measure them for smoothies.
Replace the sheet with a plate.
Instead of a baking sheet, you can also use a freezer-safe plate. An aluminum foil pie pan works too.
These options are ideal if your baking sheet doesn’t fit in the freezer.
RELATED: 12 Benefits of Eating Strawberries
Questions You May Have
It’s recommended to rinse strawberries before freezing. This will get rid of any dirt and debris. However, always dry the strawberries before putting them in the freezer.
When freezing strawberries for smoothies, it’s usually best to cut them first. Your blender will have an easier time pureeing smaller pieces. If you have a very powerful blender, freezing whole strawberries is okay.
Use frozen strawberries within 8-12 months. If kept longer than 12 months, their flavor and quality will decrease.
Frozen strawberries don’t need to be thawed for smoothies. Just add them directly to the blender. When frozen, strawberries will make the smoothie cold and thick.
Strawberry Recipes You May Like
If you tried this tutorial on How to Freeze Strawberries, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
How to Freeze Strawberries
INGREDIENTS
- Strawberries
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare baking sheet.Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the strawberries.Place the strawberries in a colander. Wash them under cool running water for 10 to 20 seconds. Transfer the strawberries on a clean towel. Pat dry. Make sure the strawberries are completely dry.
- Cut the strawberries.Slice the stems off the strawberries. Cut them in halves, quarters, or slices.
- Put the strawberries in the freezer for 1-2 hours.Place the strawberries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the strawberries aren't crowded together.Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until the strawberries are frozen.
- Put frozen strawberries into a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer.Remove the extra air and press the seal to close. For the best flavor, use frozen strawberries in 8-12 months.
NOTES
- Pick strawberries that are ripe, firm, and bright red. Avoid mushy or moldy berries.
- Before putting strawberries in the freezer, dry them well. This will help the berries freeze separately.
- If your baking sheet is too big for the freezer, use a freezer-safe plate or a foil pie pan.