How to Freeze Strawberries

The best way to preserve extra strawberries before they go bad is to freeze them. While you can’t just toss them into a bag and call it a day, it’s still pretty easy!

Instructions:

1. Place the berries in a colander in a sink, and clean them under cold running water. Discard any berries that are already mushy or showing signs of age. Once washed, spread the berries onto tea or paper towels and dry each berry with another towel then let them air dry for 30-60 minutes.
2. Remove the green tops and white centers with a small paring knife. Insert it just beside the stem and carefully cut along the stem in a circular motion, and pop out the hull. You can leave the berries whole or cut larger ones into halves or quarters.
3. Once hulled, place the strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet that will fit into your freezer. Spread them out so that they do not touch or they will freeze into a large block. If you have many berries, use multiple baking sheets, and repeat the process.
4. Freeze until solid. Depending on the size and shape of the berries, this could take two to four hours. For larger batches, freeze overnight.
5. Remove the frozen berries from the baking tray and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Frozen strawberries will last up to one year if they remain frozen. Use within six months for the best flavor.
6. Place them in a single layer on a plate, and set it on the kitchen counter at room temperature to thaw before using.