Farmer's Market Find: Raspberries - How to Freeze Those Berries

Here in Ohio, we've had an unseasonably cool summer. This has been great for my energy bill as well as crop longevity. Those berries that usually turn bad quickly, are lasting a little longer on the plants. So, in order to make them last even longer I like to freeze some for later use.                                                                      Freezing berries is super simple and is a convenient and cheap way to have berries on hand. All you will need is berries, a colander, some towels, freezer bags or containers, and a cookie sheet. And of course a freezer! Freezing them this way helps to eliminate the clump o' fruit effect you get from sticking a large portion directly into a freezer bag. This helps them freeze individually, so you can use what you need as needed. 

1. Start off by washing the berries in cool water in a colander. You don't want to freeze dirt or bugs with your berries. Unless you're into that added flavor.  With blueberries, you can skip the washing step before freezing. They tend to get a bit tougher when you wash them before freezing. I use mine for muffins most of the time, so I wash them before freezing. Since they are being baked, the tougher skin doesn't matter. If you have other plans for your blueberries other than baking, simply wash them once they are thawed before use. It's up to you. 
2. Dry the berries completely by spreading them out on towels and letting them drain.
3. Once they are dry, place them on a cookie sheet and shake the cookie sheet so the berries settle into a single layer. Make sure you use one that you can easily slide into your freezer. You can place parchment paper on the cookie sheet if you'd like as well. I usually leave them in the freezer all day or overnight. 
4. Once they are nice and frozen, place them in the freezer bags or freezer containers. Try to get as much air as possible out of the bags when shutting them. This helps to alleviate freezer burn and funky freezer flavor. My grandma always used a vacuum sealer. I'm not as awesome as she was, so I use Ziploc Freezer bags. Label them with the date and then place them back in the freezer until you need them.
5. The berries should last about three to four months in the freezer. You can use this method for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and many other fruits. Ever try frozen grapes? Do it. They're awesome to throw in the kids lunch bags or to eat fresh from the freezer. So good! By the time the kids get to lunch, the grapes are thawed, but still cold. Yum!

When you're ready to use the berries just thaw them. They may be a little juicy when thawed. They tend to release juice during their time in the freezer. Once thawed they are great for baking, for smoothies, and for many other recipes.

Well, there you go. Grab some berries!

As always, thanks for reading. 

Take care,

NB