Can strawberries really stay firm after freezing? Do they usually become soft and tasteless after thawing?
Strawberries, the secret to perfectly frozen strawberries
When strawberry season arrives, the markets are full of these red fruits, begging you to take them home. But the problem comes when there are too many to eat right away. Then freezing is the ideal solution. However, it doesn't matter how you do it. If you follow the wrong procedure, your strawberries will lose their flavor when thawed. texture, taste and usability.
Unlike other fruits, strawberries contain a lot of water, which means that freezing greatly affects their structure. Improperly frozen strawberries often turn into an unappealing mush after thawing. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to prepare them the right way.
Preparing strawberries for freezing
To get started, just choose the freshest, firmest and ripest strawberries. They should not be overripe or still green, as neither of these extremes will yield good results. Wash them in cold water and dry them carefully with kitchen towels. It is important that there is no moisture left on them, as this will create ice crystals when frozen, which can damage their structure.
Remove the stems and arrange them in a single layer on a tray to they do not touch each other. This will prevent them from sticking together into a mass of ice. Then place the tray in the freezer and let the strawberries harden completely. Only then transfer them to freezer bags with a sealable seal. Before sealing them, squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags - this is key for preserving taste.
How long can strawberries stay frozen?
It is ideal to use them in six monthsDuring this time, they will retain most of their properties. Although they will remain safe to eat for longer, their quality will decline over time – especially their taste and smell.
How to use them after freezing?
The big advantage of properly frozen strawberries is that you can use them without defrosting. If you are making a smoothie, simply throw them in the blender. The same goes for compote, jam, or even for making ice cream and creamy desserts. If you are going to use them for baking, also add them directly to the mixture.
Biggest mistakeThe only thing you can do is to defrost them and let them sit – the texture will change completely and they will become mushy. However, if you use them frozen, you will retain the taste, color and smell.
Why bother with freezing?
Freezing strawberries is not only practical, but also smart. It allows you to create a summer winter vitamin supply and enjoy the flavors of summer until the end of the year. With the right process, your strawberries will stay almost as they were when they were picked - firm, sweet and perfect for every bite or recipe.
