To ensure your Strawberries Retain their Vibrant Taste and Texture, Follow These 5 Steps.
- Rinse and Dry: Begin by giving your strawberries a gentle rinse. Then pat them dry with a paper towel, to eliminate excess moisture.
- Prepare the strawberries: Remove the stems and, for larger berries, halve them to optimize freezing and later use.
- Flash-Freeze on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with wax paper and arrange the strawberries, cut side down, leaving space between each berry. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Into the Freezer: Transfer the sheet, uncovered, to the freezer, allowing the strawberries to freeze until hard (approximately six hours).
- Store Properly: Once frozen, transfer the strawberries to a freezer bag or container, ensuring they remain in a single layer to prevent unwanted crystallization.
The 4 Benefits of Freezing Strawberries:
Freezing strawberries isn’t just about preservation; it’s a gateway to convenience and creativity in the kitchen. Here’s why:
- Extended Shelf Life: Properly frozen strawberries can last for several months without compromising their flavor or nutritional value.
- Versatility in Recipes: From refreshing smoothies and milkshakes to decadent Strawberry Horchata and Berry Tequila Rose Sangria, the possibilities are endless. Freezing transforms strawberries into versatile ingredients for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Sauce for all occasions: Thawed frozen strawberries make for a delightful sauce, perfect for drizzling over ice cream, incorporating ice pops, or adding to cakes and pies.
- Compotes for cozy moments: Simmering frozen berries with honey and lemon juice creates a heavenly compote, elevating yogurt, oatmeal, and pancakes with a burst of flavor – a comforting reminder of sunnier days.
You don’t have to just Freeze Strawberries, here’s how to safely Freeze all your fruit:
Prepare your fruit: Wash, dry, and slice your fruit, removing cores, stems, and any inedible parts. For berries, no chopping is necessary.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Similar to what we did with the Strawberries earlier in the blog. Lay the cut-up fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with compostable parchment paper or a silicone sheet liner. This Step is crucial for Preventing the Fruit from Sticking Together during the freezing process.
Pre-Freeze on the Baking Sheet: Freeze the fruit on the baking sheet for 2-3 hours or until fully frozen. Pre-freezing individually ensures you won’t end up with a solid mass of fruit, making it easier to grab just what you need later.
Transfer to Stasher Reusable Bags or Containers: Transfer the fruit into a freezer-safe Stasher bag or container once frozen. Remove as much air as possible when sealing the Pinch-Loc® seal to maintain freshness.
3 Simple reasons why you should Freeze your Fruit.
- Support Local and Optimize Health Benefits: Buying Fresh Fruit from Local Farmers allows you to support your community while enjoying the peak nutritional value of seasonal produce.
- Environmental Impact: Freezing your fruit reduces the environmental impact by eliminating the need for long-distance transportation. It’s an environmentally-friendly option that supports a lifestyle mindful of ecological impact.
- Minimal Plastic Packaging and Go Green: By freezing your fruit, you avoid accumulating extra plastic packaging that often comes with pre-frozen fruit. Stasher reusables offer an eco-friendly alternative.
- Versatility Beyond Fruit: Stasher bags are not limited to fruits. Try freezing your vegetables in your Stashers, expanding your repertoire of conveniently stored fresh produce.
Freezing your fruit is not just a practical solution; it’s a mindful choice that empowers you to support local farmers, reduce your environmental footprint, and minimize plastic waste. With the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly enjoy the season’s flavors throughout the year. So, embark on the journey of freezing fruit with our KIC cooling and freezing range and discover a world of freshness and sustainability at your fingertips.
See our favorite cooling and freezing options.