How To Freeze Strawberries

Learn the proper techniques for how to freeze strawberries. This method can be applied to a variety of fruits and vegetables. 

It’s easy to go overboard and buy more strawberries than you need. Especially, during strawberry season when these bright red gems are plenty and well priced.

Fresh strawberries are best eaten within a few days of purchase. They generally last about a week in fridge.  

What should you do when can’t eat those fresh strawberries fast enough? FREEZE THEM!

Why freeze strawberries?

Properly freezing fresh strawberries prolongs their shelf life. Instead of having strawberries last a week in the fridge, you can store them in the freezer for upwards to six months.

The method explained here tries to mimic IQF.

What is IQF?

IQF stands for Individually Quick Frozen. It is the commercially used method to quickly freeze fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. 

During this process, foods are quickly frozen using a blast chiller (blast freezer) or through the use of liquid nitrogen. The quick freezing prevents large ice crystals from forming. 

The bags of frozen fruits and vegetables for purchase at supermarkets are IQF. For example, when you get a bag of frozen corn kernels, each of the corn kernels are individually frozen. Instead of a large block of solid corn kernels, the kernels are loose inside the bag. 

What to do with frozen strawberries?

Don’t thaw frozen strawberries. They will turn into mush. Frozen strawberries can be used for a variety of applications, such as:

• smoothies
• sauces and dips
• frozen treats like ice cream and popsicles
• frozen blended drinks
• quick breads

Tools Needed:

• Strawberry huller, or pairing knife
• Paper towels, or absorbent kitchen towels
• Baking sheet tray
• Freezer safe container such as zip top bag or silicone bags

Do I really need a strawberry huller?

Short answer, no. A pairing knife can hull strawberries just as effectively.

However, for efficiency’s sake, a strawberry huller does get the job done faster. I don’t mind the $8 for this little kitchen gadget. 

It’s a nice tool when hulling strawberries for strawberry pie.

How to Freeze Strawberries

1.Clean strawberries 

• Submerge strawberries in a large bowl of cool water. Swirl strawberries around and let sit for a few minutes. Any dirt should loosen and sink to the bottom. Then, place strawberries in a colander and rinse under cool running water.

2. Hull strawberries

• Use a strawberry huller or a pairing knife to hull strawberries. With a pairing knife, you can simply slice off the top, or insert pairing knife at an angle into the top of the strawberry to carefully remove the steam and hull.

3. Dry strawberries

• Spread clean hulled strawberries into a single layer on paper towels or absorbent kitchen towels. Gently blot until dry. Or simply, leave on towels until dry. 
• At this point, you can either keep the strawberries whole or slice in halves/quarters.

4. Place strawberries on sheet tray

• Place dry strawberries on a parchment lined (or reusable silicone mat) baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer. Place in the freezer for an hour, or until solid.

5. Store frozen strawberries in air tight container

• Once frozen, transfer strawberries to a freezer bag (such as a plastic zip top bag or a large reusable silicone bag). Remove as much air from the bag. Seal shut and place in the coldest part of your freezer.

How long can you store frozen strawberries?

Frozen strawberries keep well for six months in an airtight container. However, it is best if used within three months.

Overtime, the strawberries will lose their flavor in the freezer. Plus, the longer they stay in the freezer, the most susceptible to freezer burn.

Be sure to store frozen strawberries (and other frozen fruits and vegetables) in the coldest part of the freezer. Do not store them in the door, where they are more prone to defrosting and warmer temperatures.

How to use this freezing technique for other fruits?

This method can be used for all cut fruit such as mango, peaches, watermelon, plums, bananas, etc.

Wash the fruit and remove peel, if necessary. Pat dry, slice into desired chunks or servings, and then spread into an even layer on baking sheet. Freeze until solid and then transfer frozen fruit into airtight container.

This also works for whole berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Use frozen fruits within 3 month of freezing for best texture and flavor. However, keep frozen fruits in the coldest part the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Best recipes to use for frozen strawberries

Chia Strawberry Jam Pop Tarts. These are like your favorite breakfast treats from childhood… only better! The baked hand pie is filled with chia strawberry jam and topped with freeze dried strawberry glaze.

Strawberry Funnel Cake. Make this summer fair staple at home! This homemade funnel cake is topped with cold strawberry sauce.

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. This fun boozy treat combines frozen strawberries with light rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Lava Flow Popsicles. Tastes like a vacation on a stick! The combination of coconut, pineapple, and strawberry is sure to relax you and make you think of a tropical paradise. 

Beet Smoothie. This energizing fruit and veggie smoothie combines fresh beets with frozen strawberries, mango, and peaches.