The art of freezing strawberries: Savor summer all year round
Freezing strawberries is an excellent way to preserve their flavour and nutritional value for a long time. With the right preparation, we can enjoy these fruits even in winter. Learn how to freeze strawberries to savour their full flavour.
Freezing strawberries is one of the most popular methods of storing these fruits for the winter. This way, we can enjoy their taste and nutritional benefits all year round. Freezing helps maintain the freshness of the fruits, which is especially important when access to fresh strawberries is limited.
How to prepare strawberries for freezing?
For strawberry freezing to be effective, they need to be properly prepared. First and foremost, select ripe strawberries that are not damaged. Then thoroughly wash and dry them. Before freezing, remove the stems, as they can cause a bitter taste after defrosting.
How to freeze strawberries?
A key step in freezing is arranging the strawberries properly on a tray. It's important that the fruits do not touch each other, which prevents them from sticking together in the freezer. After initially freezing them on the tray, the strawberries can be transferred to freezer bags, which should be labelled with the freezing date. How long can you store frozen strawberries? They can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 year.
How to defrost strawberries?
Defrosting strawberries is a process that requires care to preserve their flavour and nutrients. The best way to defrost strawberries is to place them in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the fruits to gradually reach room temperature, preventing the loss of juices and changes in texture.
Avoid defrosting strawberries in the microwave or on the kitchen counter, as this could lead to them falling apart and losing flavour. It's important not to defrost fruits in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture, leading to an unpleasant texture.
How to use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. They are perfect for making cocktails and smoothies – simply blend them with natural yoghurt, a banana, and some honey to create a delicious and healthy drink. You can also add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to enrich the flavour.
Frozen strawberries are a great addition to desserts and cakes, such as strawberry cheesecake, jelly, or ice cream. Just thaw them and add them to your favourite recipe. They can also be used to make homemade jams and preserves.
