Freezing Summer Berries

It's sad, but berry season will be ending soon. This is about the time that I buy a couple pounds when they're on sale and freeze them for a later use. Frozen berries can be used in so many things (sauces, drinks, desserts, etc.) so it's worth it to stock up before the prices go up.

Freezing berries is pretty easy to do. If it isn't done properly though, the berries will all mash together and it's virtually impossible to separate a few berries at a time if it's all one big, frozen lump.

Here'a a simple step by step guide for freezing berries. A lot of tip sites will have you freezing berries individually on a baking sheet before storing them, but this isn't doable in my house. I have a side by side fridge/freezer so I've devised my own little technique...

For blueberries and other small berries:
1. Wash and thoroughly dry berries. (I lay them out on paper towel until completely dry)
2. Place a few berries in each cube of an empty (and dry) ice cube tray.
3. Place in freezer for about 15 - 20 minutes or until frozen.
4. After the berries are frozen, transfer them to resealable zip-top bags for easy access.

For strawberries and larger sized fruit:
1. Wash and dry thoroughly. Remove stems or any other inedible parts.
2. Place berries about a half inch apart on a paper plate and place in freezer. (You can also use any other freezer-safe plate.)
3. Freeze for about 20 - 30 minutes or until frozen.
4. After strawberries are frozen, transfer to resealable zip-top bags.