Ever made your way home from the farmer’s market with fresh-picked strawberries only to ask yourself how you’re going to eat everything? These summer glories last only two to four weeks before they lose their luster and go to waste. Knowing how to freeze strawberries can help you enjoy your bounty long after the season ends. Here’s a guide on how to freeze them.

What you need

• Colander

• Paring knife

• Paper towels

• Baking sheet or large serving tray

• Parchment paper or wax paper

• Plastic containers or zip-top freezer bags

Directions

1. Choose well: When choosing the berries to tuck aside for winter, search for the plumpest and most fragrant ones. They should be ripe and of high quality.

2. Wash: Rinse the strawberries under running water or wash them gently in a bowl.

3. Dry: Place in a colander to drip dry.

4. Hull: Remove the green caps using a paring knife. You can leave them whole or slice.

5. Arrange: Transfer the hulled strawberries to a large serving tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

6. Freeze: Place the baking sheet or the tray with the strawberries in the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour until berries are frozen.

7. Store: Now transfer frozen berries to an airtight plastic container or a zip-top freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to reduce the risk of freezer burn and then store berries in the freezer for up to one year.

Conclusion

Knowing the best ways to freeze strawberries is a crucial skill for any hoarder. If you can resist gobbling them up in one go, following the tips above will help keep your favorite fruit for as long as possible.