​How to Freeze Strawberries and other berries

Whichever method you choose, you should be aware that freezing doesn't sterilize strawberries; it preserves them. Make sure you only use the best quality strawberriesand make sure they are washed well and then dried.

Once thawed, they will be softer, sometimes quite mushy, and they will have darkened in colour. They will also have a different taste and texturefrom fresh strawberries. You should plan to use them in fruit smoothies, cooking and not expect them to be like fresh strawberries.

Preparing the strawberries for freezing

• 1.Wash and dry them well. Make sure there is not water left on the strawberries otherwise this will make them hard and unpleasant to eat.

• 2.If you will be storing them for a while make sure you remove as much air as possible from the plastic bags and seal them thoroughly. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep them fresher for longer.

Freezing Strawberries Whole

• 1.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.

• 2.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 baking tray 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 2 months.

Freezing Strawberries Pureed

• 1.Wash and hull the strawberries.
• 2.Purée using blender or mashing device.
• 3.Pour the purée into plastic containers or individual ice-cube tray squares.
• 4.Using this method, the purée can be frozen for up to 6 months.