Sweet, aromatic strawberries are loved by both adults and children. And although their season is quite short, you can preserve the strawberry delicacy in frozen form.
Strawberry pieces, sliced or whole, can be stored in the freezer for up to a year and can be added to smoothies, desserts, and baked goods.
But what is the best way to freeze strawberries?
It's not hard to make. Just wash, freeze and pack the strawberries following the steps below.
Proper cleansing
Before freezing strawberries, rinse them well under cold running water.
But be careful with the water pressure, because the fruits are tender and soft.
Also, don't soak them because it can weaken the sweet flavor.
After washing, gently and thoroughly pat the strawberries dry with paper towels, then pinch off the green tops.
Cut into slices if desired.
Quick Freeze Strawberries Separately
Place strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them well apart.
Freeze until set, at least two hours. This step will help prevent the berries from sticking together during storage.
Freezer storage
Once individual strawberries are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag (label the date on the bag).
Squeeze out excess air, then seal the bag tightly.
After such careful packaging, strawberries will keep in the freezer for up to one year.
What is the best way to freeze strawberries: whole or sliced?
The answer depends on what you plan to do with it. If you plan to use the fruit for snacking in the future, freeze it whole.
The same applies to cases where the shape of the berry is important (for example, for decorating cakes).
If shape is not important, such as for making smoothies or homemade strawberry soda, it is better to chop the strawberries before freezing.
Trying to cut fruit that is already frozen will be more difficult.
Does the texture of strawberries change when frozen?
Yes. Like most fruits, strawberries become less firm after freezing and thawing.
But the change in texture won't make much of a difference if you're planning on making smoothies or milkshakes.
Using frozen strawberries will really help achieve the thick consistency you're going for.
And most importantly, frozen strawberries retain many of their beneficial properties!
How to Use Frozen Strawberries
Frozen strawberries are a great product that can be used in many dishes and drinks.
Here are some ideas.
• Smoothies and shakes. Frozen strawberries can be used as an ingredient in milkshakes and healthy smoothies. For example, mix them in a blender with ice cream, add a little sugar or honey to taste and enjoy!
• Desserts: Frozen strawberries are perfect for making pies, cakes, pastries, ice cream or parfaits. Add strawberries to dough, cream or simply use as a garnish for decoration.
• Flavorful topping. Blend frozen strawberries in a blender with sugar, lemon juice and a little thickened starch. This topping is great for pancakes and waffles.
• Compotes and jam. Throw frozen strawberries into a saucepan with water, sugar and other fruits to taste. Bring to a boil and cook over moderate heat for a few minutes.
Now you know how to freeze strawberries and where you can use them.
Earlier we talked about how to keep soup fresh in extreme heat.
