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How to Freeze Strawberries

Freezing fresh Strawberries is EASY and is a SUPER way to preserve the great taste and low prices of in season Strawberries! Besides, when you know how to freeze Strawberries, it only takes about 5 minutes! 

a green bowl of fresh strawberries with a box of them in the background

Why This Recipe Works…

  1. Fast
  2. Easy
  3. Saves Money!
  4. Frozen Strawberries can be used in all kinds of recipes! Like Strawberry Congealed Salad!

Here’s How It is Done

STEP 1. Cut the stems off, halve any large berries and then spread them out onto a baking sheet. (I like to put down a piece of parchment paper for easy clean up)

No need to wash the Strawberries first, you can rinse them just before you use them with cool water. You will need them to be completely dry before or they will stick together. 

cutting board with knife and strawberries

STEP 2. Place the tray into the freezer for at least 2 hours. 

Berries spread on baking sheet with parchment paper beneath

STEP 3. Remove from the tray and then measure out quantities of  berries for each bag. Label the bags before filling for easy use. 

Strawberries in the freezer on a pan

Do Strawberries Freeze Well? 

Yes, they do freeze well. Simply follow the recipe listed below. 

These Recipes

We love frozen Strawberries in these recipes: 

Strawberry Pie

How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam

How to make and can Strawberry Jam @loavesanddishes.net

Strawberries ready to crush

Can You Freeze Strawberries?

Yes, you can freeze Strawberries! It is so simple that you will be surprised! Trim the tops, cut into bite sized pieces, place on a baking tray and place into the ice box for at least 2 hours. Remove and put into bags!

Freeze Strawberries How Long? 

Keep  for 6 months to 1 year. Be sure to keep them as close to 32C as possible. Squeeze as much air from the bag as possible before putting into the icebox. 

How To Freeze Strawberries

Spread the unwashed Strawberries out on a baking sheet. Place baking sheet into the freezer for 2 hours. Remove from the freezer and place into labeled freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag. Lay the bags as flat as possible. Rinse the fruit with cool water before using. 

Fresh strawberries added to the strawberry pie with jello

Add the fresh strawberries

Frequently Asked Questions about Freezing Strawberries (FAQ’s)

How Do I Freeze Strawberries to Keep Them From Getting Mushy? 

Freezing the Strawberries individually and keeping them dry like described in the recipe card below will help to keep them from becoming overly mushy. However, all frozen fruit does become more mushy than fresh fruit and you will want to use these in baked goods or smoothies.

Don’t plan to use them as a fresh fruit type garnish, topping or fruit salad.

Do I Need To Wash Strawberries Before Freezing Them?

No need to wash Strawberries before freezing them. Give them a light rinse with cool water before using them in your recipe.

Do I Need To Thaw Strawberries Before Using Them In Baking? 

No, you don’t need to thaw Strawberries before using them in baking. Just give them a little bath in cold water, drain well and use in whatever recipe you have planned. 

Can I Freeze Strawberries With the Stems? 

Yes, you may leave the stems, however, you’ll need to cut them off before using. It’s much easier to do so now.

These berries won’t be good for recipes where fresh raw berries are needed. Plan to only use these for making jams or cooking. 

How Long Does It Take To Freeze Strawberries? 

By following these instructions, you can expect the strawberries to freeze within 2 hours. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer and try not to have any touching each other. 

How Long Can Strawberries Be Frozen? 

Strawberries can be frozen for up to 6 months if kept at freezing. See below for the signs of burn. Discard any that appear that way.

How To Freeze Strawberries Without Sugar?

This method uses no sugar and simply accents the goodness of fresh summer berries! Wonderful!

Can You Eat Frozen Strawberries Straight From the Freezer? 

Sure you can! Give them a little rinse with cool water and pop them right in your mouth! It’s like a little popsicle! What a great fresh treat that is even good for you! 

How Do You Thaw Frozen Strawberries? 

There’s no need to thaw frozen Strawberries before using in your recipe, but if you want to thaw them, run water over them for a minute or two. If you put the bag that they are frozen into the fridge, they will also thaw. You will notice a lot of liquid in the bag. No need to use this liquid in your recipe. 

Can Frozen Strawberries Be Substituted For Fresh? 

Yes, you can substitute frozen Strawberries for fresh in most cooking applications and in smoothies. You won’t want to use frozen berries instead of fresh for a fresh application. All fruit that has been frozen will be somewhat mushy when completely thawed and that just won’t look nice in your fresh application.

Does Freezing Strawberries Affect the Taste?

Freezing Strawberries does not affect the taste. It will still taste like itself BUT it does affect the texture. They become mushy after being in the icebox as does all fruit. It is best to use these in baking, cooking and smoothie recipes. 

How To Know If They are Bad

If you notice….

  • They appear encased in ice crystals or frost
  • They are very light colored and dry
  • The berries have been in there longer than 6 months.
  • There was a lot of air in the package.

What’s the Best Way to Freeze Strawberries? 

Simply follow the instructions listed below and you’ll have the very best method .

Be sure to select ripe, perfect fruit . The quality of what you use will be reflected in the final product you have at the end. 

pie shell with filling in glass pie plate, red napkins

Put the glaze into the pie shell with the strawberries

TIPS and TRICKS

  • Don’t wash your berries first, simply cut the tops off and then cut into bite sized pieces. You can always rinse them before you use them. 
  • If you try to freeze damp berries, they will want to stick together and this will affect how soft they are when you thaw them. 
  • If the berries are white on the inside, cut out the white part, it doesn’t taste good. 
  • These will be perfect for smoothies, milkshakes, jams, syrups and baked recipes like pies and cakes!
  • Find MORE Information than you will ever use about them here! 

If You Want To Know More About This Process With Other Foods, Check Out….

How to Freeze Blueberries

How to Freeze Raspberries

Freezing Blackberries

How to Freeze Broccoli

How to Freeze Cheese

Hey, Ya’ll, Help Me Out, OK? 

Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes! 

cutting board with knife and strawberries

How to Freeze Strawberries

Freezing fresh Strawberries is EASY and is a SUPER way to preserve the great taste and low prices of in season Strawberries!  Besides, when you know how to freeze Strawberries, it only takes about 5 minutes! 
5 from 1 vote
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Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: freezing strawberries, how to freeze strawberries
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 18kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Strawberries any variety or size

Instructions

  • Label the freezer bag with a sharpie marker to indicate what will be in the bag and how many. Label with today's date and a "USE BY" date (6 months to 1 year from now).
  • Place the berries onto a baking sheet and spread them out
  • Place the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 2 hours.
  • After 2 hours, remove the tray from the freezer, measure out the berries and place them into a resealable top plastic bag.
  • Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag.
  • Seal the bag. Finish labeling the bag if necessary.
  • Place the bag into the freezer and lay flat so that it will freeze flat.

Notes

  • Use good quality freezer bags (this doesn't necessarily mean name brand).  Just check to make sure that the bag feels heavy and thick in your hand and that the seal works very well.
  • It's so easy to use the type of bag with the zippers, but I've had more bag failures with the zipper bags than with the press and seal type bags. 
  • Buy yourself a sharpie marker to keep in the kitchen in your "junk" drawer OR tape it to the front of your freezer bag box.  Then you'll always have one. 
  • The flater that you can make the bag, the better for saving space in your freezer. 
  • When putting things in the freezer, put the newer things on the bottom of the stack so that the older things are near the top and you'll use those first. 
  • Squeeze air out of the bag after you put the meat into the bag by rolling it up. Air in the bag will equal freezer burn later. 
PRO TIP:  Label the bag BEFORE you put the food in the bag.  It's so much easier to write on a bag with nothing in it BEFORE it has water or grease on it. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Freeze Strawberries
Amount Per Serving
Calories 18 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 87mg2%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 7IU0%
Vitamin C 33mg40%
Calcium 9mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A VERSE TO SHARE

Over the past few days, I’ve had the honor to care for a blind dog. Rescue work is so rewarding ya’ll. His blindness will soon be corrected and I CAN’T WAIT to be part of his learning to SEE! It’s so exciting. 

Jesus healed the blind, over and over again in the Bible. I can’t imagine the excitement of a person when I feel this way about a dog! 

God is good and sometimes people are too!

Matthew 21:14

The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

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Wendi Spraker

Friday 15th of November 2019

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