How to freeze strawberries- a step by step guide with photos to show you exactly how to freeze fresh strawberries so you can enjoy them all year round!
Oh strawberries. If there is one thing I look forward to all winter long, it is that first fresh juicy spring strawberry.
There really is nothing that can compare to a freshly picked strawberry, but sadly, strawberry season is just too short! If you are anything like us, you might go to a u-pick farm and load up on fresh strawbs.
What to do next? Eat your weight's worth and freeze the rest. Luckily, strawberries are very freezer-friendly and while they do become softer, they retain their awesome flavor after freeze/thawing.
How to use frozen strawberries:
- in a Strawberry Smoothie
- over Steel Cut Oats or Overnight Oats
- in Strawberry Muffins
- in Strawberry Crisp
- in a Strawberry Margarita
- in a Homemade Strawberry Sauce
How to freeze strawberries
Step one- gently wash the strawberries to remove any dirt. Pick through and remove any squishy berries.
Step two- spread them out and allow to dry for a few minutes on an absorbent towel.
Step three- hull the strawberries: cut around the stem in a circular motion to remove the stem and the bit underneath. You can also cut straight across the top of the strawberry if you are in a rush.
Step four- arrange strawberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step five- freeze overnight.
Step six- transfer frozen strawberries to a labelled freezer bag. It is important to label with the name and date, so that you know exactly what is in the bag, and how long it has been in the freezer.
Step seven- freeze for up to one year.
Frozen Strawberries 101:
Do I need to wash my strawberries before freezing them? Yes, it’s highly recommended that you do rinse them down before freezing them.
Do I need to thaw my strawberries before using them? This really depends on what you’re using them for. Smoothies and some baked goods do not require strawberries to be thawed, and you can put them straight in frozen. If you are planning on using your strawberries in baked goods such as muffins, you may want to chop them up smaller before freezing.
If you are serving in a meal prep breakfast like over steel cut oats or parfaits you can simply portion them out into the containers with the other ingredients. They will thaw in the fridge overnight.
How do you thaw frozen strawberries? The best way to thaw frozen strawberries is either to let them sit at room temperature, or to place the entire freezer bag in some cold water. The gentler they thaw, the less liquid they will release. You can also thaw them in the microwave, but be warned they will release liquid and become very juicy. This is not necessarily a bad thing!
How long do frozen strawberries last? Once frozen, your berries will be good for up to one year. The less moisture and air in the bag, the better.
Equipment used for freezing strawberries:
- I highly recommend these baker's half sheets
- pictured in this post are these reusable silicone freezer bags
, however you could also use a heavy duty freezer bag - a sharpie for labelling bags
- a paring knife for hulling the strawberries
, however you could also use a heavy duty freezer bag
for labelling bags
for hulling the strawberries
How To Freeze Strawberries
Ingredients
- 4-6 lbs fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Gently wash strawberries under tap water. Pick out any squishy or damaged berries.
- Spread out on an absorbent towel and allow to air dry. You can gently dry them with a second towel.
- Hull the strawberries: cut around the stem in a circular motion to remove the stem and the bit underneath. You can also cut straight across the top of the strawberry if you are in a rush.
- Arrange on a large baking sheet. I love these baker's half sheets.
- Freeze overnight, or until berries are firm.
- Transfer to a heavy duty freezer bag labelled with the date and contents. Pictured in this post are these reusable silicone freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 1 year.
Nutrition
Related:
Ronna
Can I slice them beforeI freeze them?
Denise Bustard
Hi Ronna! Yes, you can absolutely slice them before freezing 🙂
Tuky
Thank you 🙏
Denise
You are very welcome!
Penny
Thank you for the directions. I know the technique well from freezing fish fillets!! Never thought of it for other things--I'm not that kind of creative cook to think outside the familiar! And the lemon juice, yep makes sense. Again, thanks. Penny
Denise
Hi Penny! So happy you found this post helpful. We have frozen strawberries in the freezer at all times...so great to stock up when they're good!
Bonnie Bragwell
Do you just leave them uncovered while freezing
Denise
Hi Bonnie! Yes, I do leave them uncovered while they flash freeze; it's not enough time to get freezer burn.