Each year, I try to really stock up on blueberries and strawberries when they are in season. We use them year round in our morning protein shakes and we go through A LOT of berries!
This week a friend tracked down a good deal on two gallons of strawberries for me so I was able to get them ready for the freezer. This helps me save money (fresh in-season berries are always way cheaper than the frozen ones I purchase), and they are a cleaner version (I try to buy organic or at least minimal pesticide berries locally).
This is the way that I prepare them, which has worked well for me in the past. There are many other methods, but I needed quick and easy, so this is what I usually do.
1- Soak berries in produce wash. You can find my recipe for this here.
While one batch is soaking, I rinse another and let them drain.
2- Rinse berries and lay out on clean towel to dry. (I usually go do something else and let these dry for a while).
3- Cap strawberries (no need to do anything else if freezing blueberries).
4- Arrange on a cookie sheet or flat pan in single layer and put in the freezer for 1-2 hours.
5- Take berries off of sheet and put into freezer safe bag. I usually use the quart size freezer bags. (Tip: don’t try to pile too many berries into one bag- they’ll end up freezing to one another and you’ll have a MESS on your hands. Been there, done that!)
Any time you find a great deal on fresh berries, you can use this method to make sure that your berries will be clean, fresh, and ready to enjoy!
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