Even whenstored in the refrigerator, they last only three to four days before they wrinkle or turn moldy.
The best way to preserve extra strawberries before they go bad is to freeze them.
But you’re able to’t just toss them into a bag and call it a day.
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That will result in a large, icy, boulder-like cluster of berries.
Flash freezing also prevents those pesky ice crystals from forming and turning your berries into flavorless ice cubes.
Here’s how to freeze strawberries and what to make with frozen strawberries after you snag them.
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Discard any berries that are already mushy or showing signs of mold.
These will not freeze well.
Once washed, spread the berries onto tea or paper towels and dry each berry individually with another towel.
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Let them air dry for 30 to 60 minutes.
Ensure the berries are as dry as possible before moving onto the next steps.
Excess water will make them mushy and distort the flavor when thawed.
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you might use a strawberry huller for this.
If you don’t have one, a small paring knife will work, too.
Insert it into the top of the strawberry’s shoulder, just beside the stem.
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Carefullycut along the stemin a circular motion, and pop out the hull.
you’re able to leave the berries whole or cut them into halves or quarters.
Cutting them at this step is ideal if you know what size you want.
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Spread the strawberries out so that they do not touch.
If the berries touch, they will freeze into a large block that is difficult to break apart.
For larger batches, freeze overnight.
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Label the bag with the food and the date you froze them.
Squeeze out as much air as possible.
Leave the strawberriesin the freezeruntil you are ready to use them.
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you’re able to reduce by 1/2 cup of sugar per pint.
So wash the berries before you freeze them, but not too early.
Strawberries will absorb water after being washed or soaked, then begin to break down and turn mushy.
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Because washing accelerates their decomposition,wash strawberriesjust before you eat, cook, or freeze them.
Discard any strawberries that look shriveled or mushy.
They’ll water out when thawed, leaving you with a sad pile of strawberry goo.
Wash Your Hands
Keep bacteria and germs from the kitchen or garden off your berries.
Wash your hands before you wash, hull, and arrange strawberries to freeze.
While freezing can kill some bacteria that cause foodborne illness, not all bacteria will die.
How Long Can You Freeze Strawberries?
Frozen strawberries willlast up to one yearif they remain frozen.
Use within six months for the best flavor.
They’ll be darker and softer, and they will leak moisture.
But don’t count them out for flavor.
They’re still as tasty as the day you picked them.
There are many ways to utilize this fruit infresh and juicy strawberry recipes.
The berries will thaw as the dish cooks, and excess moisture will mostly evaporate.
Try ourCakey Strawberry Cobblerusing frozen strawberries for a dessert that assembles in just 10 minutes.
Cakes Or Quick Breads
Cut any large frozen berries into smaller slices or quarters.
Then fold the berries into the batter.
The cake can absorb any moisture from the berries as they thaw.
The flour helps the berries “grip” the batter.
They work especially well instrawberry daiquirisandstrawberry margaritas.
National Center for Home Food Preservation.Thawing and Preparing Foods for Serving.
