How to Freeze Strawberries
Learn how to freeze strawberries so can save fresh picked berries to use later.
Freezing fresh strawberries is super easy to do and requires minimal equipment.
I know after we go strawberry picking, I like to make strawberry jam, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cobbler, and a few other strawberry desserts. If we have leftover fresh strawberries, I like freezing the strawberries to use later.
If you grow your own strawberries, freezing strawberries for later is a great way to make sure your strawberries get used up.
It is so easy to freeze fresh strawberries that there isn't really an excuse not to. Plus, it is so nice to have the frozen strawberries to use later in the year, when fresh berries aren't available.
Our favorite ways of using frozen strawberries is in strawberry banana smoothies and for making strawberry syrup for pancakes and waffles.
When are Strawberries in Season?
Strawberry season varies depending on what growing zone you live in and what variety of strawberries you are wanting. June is your best bet for finding fresh, ripe strawberries in your area.
In Oregon, we love Hood Strawberries which have a short season. We can typically find these berries available around end of May to early June and they are ripe for about 3 to 4 weeks.
Other types of strawberries, such as Albions are in season from June all the way through August.
You should check the strawberry farms in your area to see what varieties of strawberries they grow and when they are in season. If you are wanting organic strawberries, calling around to the local farms and asking about their growing practices is a great way to find some.
Can You Freeze Strawberries
Yes, you can freeze strawberries!
In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to preserve their fresh flavor and texture.
For the best results, start with ripe berries that are free from bruising or other damage.
You can use frozen strawberries in smoothies, pies, cobblers, to make simple syrups and more.
Strawberry Containers
If you are wondering what the best container for storing frozen strawberries are, it depends on what you want to use.
I've used a variety of containers over the years from ziplock bags, plastic freezer containers, vacuum sealed bags and glass containers such as mason jars.
I prefer using glass for food storage, but many times the space I have in my freezer is limited or the number of mason jars I have isn't enough.
Many times I prefer using Ziplock freezer bags or vacuum-packed bags to store my strawberries in. These make it easy to store the perfect amount of berries for using in morning smoothies. Plus, it also make it easier to store with limited freezer space as I can stack the bags in the freezer.
Plastic storage containers are perfect when I puree the berries for storage or I have a spot that is great for the square shape plastic freezer containers I often use. I can easily stack them, they aren't a circular shape, so I can store more in less space.
Best Way to Freeze Strawberries
While you can freeze strawberries by dumping them into a freezer bag or container, you'll find the berries stick together, making it harder to use them.
The best way to freeze strawberries is by flash freezing.
Flash freezing is a process where fruit is quickly frozen by spreading them out on a baking sheet without any berries touching. This way, they don't freeze together.
How Long Can You Freeze Strawberries
Frozen strawberries are a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. But how long do they last?
For best quality use frozen strawberries within 8-12 months.
Ingredients & Equipment
- fresh strawberries
- large baking sheet
- parchment paper
How to Freeze Fresh Strawberries
Step 1: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Gently wash fresh strawberries and use a paring knife to carefully remove the stem.
Step 3: Pat the strawberries dry and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Make sure the strawberries are in a single layer and not touching. Any that are touching will freeze together.
Step 4: Place the strawberry filled baking sheet into the freezer overnight to freeze the strawberries until frozen solid.
Step 5: Remove from the freezer the next day. Place the frozen berries into freezer safe, airtight containers, remove as much air as possible, seal tightly and place back into the freezer.
How to Freeze Strawberries
Materials
- strawberries
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Instructions
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Gently wash the strawberries and remove the stem.
- Pat the strawberries dry and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Make sure the strawberries are in a single layer and not touching. Any that are touching will freeze together.
- Place the strawberry filled baking sheet into the freezer overnight.
- Remove from the freezer the next day. Place the strawberries into freezer safe, airtight containers and place back into the freezer.