How to Freeze Strawberries Properly

Name: How to Freeze Strawberries Properly
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 125 min
Ingredients: Strawberries

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Freezing strawberries is an easy way to keep them for longer. When used in smoothies, frozen strawberries will add sweetness and thickness.

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.

Reusable Silicone Storage Bag

Photo Credit: amazon.com

This is the freezer bag I use to store fruit and vegetables in the freezer.

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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.

Questions You May Have

Do you need to wash strawberries before freezing?

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.

Should you freeze strawberries whole or cut?

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.

How long do strawberries last in the freezer?

Use frozen strawberries within 8-12 months. If kept longer than 12 months, their flavor and quality will decrease.

Should you thaw frozen strawberries for smoothies?

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.

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