How to Freeze Strawberries

Understand the process of freezing strawberries before choosing a method. Whichever method you choose, be aware that freezing doesn't sterilize strawberries; it preserves them. As such, be sure to only use the best quality strawberries and to ensure that they're well washed and dried first. Moreover, don't expect miracles from frozen strawberries. Upon thawing, they will be softer, sometimes quite mushy, and they will have darkened in color. They will also have a different taste texture from fresh strawberries. Just be aware of this and be prepared to use them in ways befitting their condition upon thawing.

Make sure the strawberries are mostly dry before freezing them, or the water will freeze on them and make them hard and unpleasant to eat.

If you will be storing the frozen berries for a long time, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the plastic bags and seal them thoroughly. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the berries fresh.

• You may wish to cut the strawberries into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This can be done before freezing to lessen the freezing time needed, or after they come out of the freezer.

Wash and hull the strawberries, leaving them intact. If you like, cut the green leaves off, along with a little of the top, leaving enough so that they can stand on the top as a base.

There are two ways to freeze strawberries whole:

• Pack into plastic containers or into plastic bags. They may, however, become stuck together.
• Freeze whole on flat trays. This will prevent them from sticking together.
  • Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper or paper towels. Stand the strawberries on their bases on the cookie tray, making sure that they don't touch.
  • Put the strawberries in the freezer.
  • Wait until they are frozen, then remove from the cookie tray and place in strong sealable plastic food bags to store.

Use the strawberries within two months.

Halve or slice the strawberries into a bowl.

Sprinkle 1/2 a cup of sugar over each quart (946g) of strawberries.

Stir gently to allow the sugar to dissolve. It is important to take care not to bruise the strawberries.

Pack into a freezer container. Seal the container tightly and freeze.

Boil together 1 part sugar to 4 parts water to make the syrup.

Place the washed, hulled and drained strawberries into a plastic container and pour the syrup over the strawberries.

Using this method, the strawberries can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Wash, hull and drain the strawberries.

Sprinkle with fine sugar (for example, caster/superfine sugar) and pack them into plastic containers or bags.

Using this method, the strawberries can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Wash and hull the strawberries.

Purée using blender or mashing device.

Pour the purée into plastic containers or individual ice-cube tray squares.

Using this method, the purée can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Wash and hull each strawberry. If you choose this method, make sure to select strawberries that fit the tray squares easily. Ideal for adding to drinks on hot days.

Place a strawberry in each square of an ice cube tray and fill with water.

• An alternative method for the ice cubes is to use commercial lemonade in place of water and give as sweet treats to children at a party. Do not use this method as a regular treat, however, as the lemonade is not healthy for growing teeth. If you want a healthier ice cream version, use puréed strawberries and bananas and freeze in an ice lolly/icy pole mold.

Using this method, the strawberries can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Done!

Place in cooler with lid open a bare crack to allow pressure to escape. Leave for 20 minutes. You may want to put a folded towel under the bowl to protect your cooler. Dry ice can turn the plastic extremely fragile, or crack it, ruining the cooler.