Make the Most of Fresh Strawberries: How to Freeze Strawberries

When it's strawberry season there is an abundance of strawberries.  They seem to be everywhere and are very easy to obtain between the months of May and August.  In the months through the seasons of fall and winter however, strawberries become scarce and very expensive when found in grocery stores.  What can you do to get your hands on that beloved berry when it seems to go extinct?  The answer is easy, buy them during the months of strawberry abundance and freeze 'em. 

How to freeze strawberries just got easier with these simple tips and tricks.

There are about eight things you need in order to execute the berry freezing plan.  You will need:

• A large pan
• Water
• Sharp knife
• Colander
• Measuring cup
• Tray
• Storage containers that can be put in the freezer
• Sugar (or syrup)

Once you have these ingredients, you need to prepare your strawberries. 

You can do this by thoroughly washing the berries in cold water and then patting them dry with a clean towel.  You also need to remove the strawberries' caps.  Simply slide your knife under the cap and make  sure you don't cut the fruit while doing so.

You can freeze your strawberries by either using sugar or syrup.  It's a personal preference and either way you choose, your berries will be good (and good tasting!) for a long time.

If you use the sugar method:

1.   Place the berries in a large mixing bowl.
    
2.   Sprinkle the strawberries with superfine sugar (also called fruit sugar).   Granulated sugar also works well if that's all you have available.
    
3.   Stir the berries gently until sugar is dissolved. Pack berries into containers and freeze.

If you are going to be using the syrup method, you should:

1. Make your sugar syrup by combining 1 cup of sugar for every 1 1/4 cups of water. Mix well to dissolve sugar.
    
2. Pour the sugar syrup over the berries, using about 1/2 cup per pint container.
    
3. Seal containers and freeze.

Here are a few more useful tips that will help you make the most out of your extra strawberries:

• It's always a good idea to label and date your frozen strawberry containers, especially if you freeze them at different times. 
   
• Frozen berries can be stored in the freezer for up to one whole year.
   
• To use your frozen strawberries, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use them frozen. 

• Frozen berries taste great in smoothies or shakes!
   
• Do not refreeze strawberries after they have thawed.
   

And that is how to prepare and freeze those extra strawberries you have lying around.  Now you can be a pro and freezing your own strawberries.  How to freeze strawberries is an easy way to enjoy strawberries year-round.