Strawberries Forever

Like all great things that never last, strawberry season will soon be over. (sigh) But there is a way you can have strawberries forever! Well maybe not forever, but you can freeze them and eat Michigan strawberries all summer! I’ve done some research and here are the many ways you can freeze strawberries!

Step 1
Wash the strawberries in cold water. Pick out and remove any piece of the stem or leaves. Also remove any soft or mushy strawberries. Do not soak them in water for long or they will lose flavor and nutrients.

Step 2
Drain the strawberries with a sieve or colander. Let them sit for about 10 minutes in the colander to remove as much water as possible. Then place on a single layer of towels to dry.

Method 1 – The Plain Freeze
Freeze plain strawberries by simply putting them in freezer containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible by complexly filling containers or pressing excess air out of bags before sealing. Use these strawberries within two months.

Method 2 – The Sweet Freeze
To freeze sweetened strawberries, halve or slice strawberries. For each quart of berries mix ½ cup of sugar in bowl and gently stir until sugar is dissolved. If desired, lightly crush berries. Spoon into a freezer container, seal tightly and place in freezer. Use these strawberries within two months.

Method 3 – Light Syrup Freeze
Boil together 1 part sugar to 4 parts water to make a syrup. Place the washed and hulled strawberries in a container and pour the syrup over the strawberries. These strawberries will last frozen for up to 6 months.

Method 4 – The Slushie Freeze
Puree washed and hulled strawberries in a blender. Pour the puree into containers or ice cube trays. This method will also keep the strawberries for up to 6 months.

Method 5 – The Cubed Freeze
Half washed and hulled strawberries. Use smaller strawberries so they will fit into ice cube tray. Place strawberries in tray and cover with water. For an even better treat use lemonade, or pureed bananas. The possibilities are endless!

Freezing Michigan strawberries will always taste better than store bought, however please know that they will have a slightly darker color and a softer texture after being frozen. But either way, we know that everything tastes better when it is made in Michigan!

Thank you for reading!

Christina Allis
Sawyer Home & Garden Center