I don't really intend to use them for smoothies or baking, I just don't want them to go bad. Will they thaw out back to normal if I put them in the freezer or would I be better off not freezing?
2007-03-29 05:05:12 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Yes, I have successfully "open" froze strawberries. Keep as dry as possible and place of a tray. Sprinkle with sugar and place in the freezer. When they have frozen you can then store them in rigid containers in layers. If you do put them in freezer bags, make sure you do not put anything on top of them, as it can bruise the fruit.
2007-03-29 05:17:56 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will freeze, but they will not thaw and still be individual berries - they will be soft and release their juices. Freezing any veg or fruit causes the cellular walls to breakdown - the only way to combat this is to freeze them as fast as is possible. For the home cook, that means a quick freeze tray or drawer in your freezer.
Spread berries (or peaches, or grapes) evenly across a bit of greaseproof paper. Leave overnight in the fast freeze tray. If you don't have a fast freeze feature; place them flat on a baking tray and place it in the lowest part of the freezer (heat rises, even in a freezer so the bottom is the coldest).
When hard, place fruit inside a insulated freezer container, or a zippered freezer bag (best bet is to double bag them). Try and press all the air out of the bag before final closure.
Thaw them in a bowl in the fridge. Enjoy in strawberry shortcakes or folded in some cream as filling for a sponge cake.
Cheers
2007-03-29 14:13:34 · answer #2 · answered by dworld_1999 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes..and this is the best way to do it!!
To freeze strawberries without sugar, simply follow these steps:
1. Wash berries in cold water and pat dry. Discard any strawberries that show signs of mold, damage, or discoloration. Remove stems and leaves with a small, sharp knife.
2. Place berries on a baking sheet, arranging them close together but not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour, then transfer sheets to the freezer for 6 hours or overnight.
3. Once the berries are frozen, seal in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag and store in the freezer.
4. Alternatively, you can crush or slice your strawberries before freezing them. Place the berries in airtight containers. If using sliced berries, mix one quart of water with 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice; pour mixture over berries to cover. Seal containers and freeze. The lemon juice will help the strawberries retain some of their color.
To freeze with sugar - look at website!
2007-03-29 12:13:26 · answer #3 · answered by thumberlina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't freeze them, of course it is possible, but defrosted strawberries are TOTALLY different afterwards, they go really mushy and have the texture of...well I'll say it, snot (sorry I hate that word), and they have dark patches, the water freezes the cells and as it freezes then defrosts the cell walls are damaged and deteriorate, it looses its overall structure and integrity and they don't taste the same either! This is what you get for being the daughter of a physics teacher lol.they're good for smoothies but I'd say just enjoy them now to be honest cos they won't be good for what u want them for after u freeze them.x
2007-03-30 19:43:15 · answer #4 · answered by Emmie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can freeze them.. HOwever you choose to freeze them you'll want to make sure you get as much air out as possible. They will have a slighty different texture when you finally thaw them. They'll be much better suited for smoothies, baking or sauces at that point.
2007-03-29 12:15:59 · answer #5 · answered by limgrn_maria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best way to freeze them is to clean them off and slice. When you thaw them out, they won't be like fresh ones, but they will be good. If you want to put sugar on them, it seems to help keep the color better. Great frozen or in recipes. Godloveya.
From Ponchatoula, LA...the Strawberry Capitol of the World
2007-03-29 12:11:31 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you can but Don’t wash berries before freezing because it can affect their quality when they are later thawed. Cut them in half and arrange on a cookie sheet. After a few hours in the freezer, remove and store in freezer bags or plastic containers suitable for freezer storage.
2007-03-29 12:13:51 · answer #7 · answered by friendofb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is OK to freeze them but they will go to mush when they thaw out so you might end up using them fo smoothies afterall. But hey, it's better than wasting them!
2007-03-29 16:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lay them out flat seperately so that they don't stick together and freeze in small batches. You can then use as many or few as needed at a time. Do not allow them to get "freezer burn".
2007-03-29 15:36:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They wouldnt thaw very well, they`d go quiet mushy I think.
But if you freeze them then use them in smoothies of in a crumble or summat i reckon they`d be ok!
2007-03-29 14:11:48 · answer #10 · answered by mrssandii1982 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋