Last updated on January 11th, 2024
Freezing strawberries is an easy way to reduce food waste, save money, and always have healthy fruit around for smoothies, baking, and snacks. Whether you grow them in the backyard, pick your own at a farm, or stock up when you find an amazing deal at the store, freezing strawberries is the best way to preserve your bounty.
Is It Better to Freeze Strawberries Whole or Sliced?
It’s better to slice strawberries before freezing because they are harder to cut once they are frozen. If your recipe calls for smaller sliced strawberries, chopping frozen pieces is way easier than cutting through whole frozen strawberries.
While very small strawberries could remain whole, cut the other berries into halves, quarters, or slices before you flash freeze them.
How to Freeze Fresh Strawberries
Prepping the Berries
Rinse the strawberries with cool water, and then gently dab them dry with a tea towel.
Remove the stems and any blemishes or bruises.
Cut the strawberries into halves, quarters, or slices.
Freezing Strawberries
Arrange the berries in a single layer on a sheet pan that fits in your freezer.
Freeze the strawberries until solid, about 2 to 4 hours.
Transfer the frozen berries to an airtight container and store frozen for up to 6 months.
How Long Do Strawberries Last in the Freezer?
You could store your strawberries in the freezer for about a year, but for the best flavor, use your frozen strawberries within 6 months. If they are kept frozen, they’ll be safe to eat indefinitely, but the quality of the berries breaks down over time.
What To Do with Frozen Strawberries
- Dice frozen strawberry pieces for chocolate strawberry muffins
- Allow them to partially thaw on the counter for a simple snack. Watch out though—frozen strawberries turn mushy when completely thawed
- Add them to yogurt, partially frozen or fully thawed
- Break out the food processor to make dairy-free, sugar-free strawberry banana nice cream
- Use them in place of ice cubes in a glass of iced tea
- Toss a handful in with your morning smoothie
Did you flash freeze your fresh strawberries? Tell us all about it in the comments!