Categories: Do-It-Yourself / preserving
How to Freeze Fruits and Berries to Preserve Freshness
There’s nothing like the fresh taste of strawberries, blueberries or peaches. But what if your favorite fruits are not in season, or the berries you pick up during your Sunday shopping will not be used until much later in the week? Your best option may be to freeze them for later.
When to Buy
The ideal time to buy fruits and berries is when they are in season. That’s when they taste the best and prices are at the lowest.
Winter:
Grapefruit, Lemons, Oranges, Tangerines
Spring:
Mango, Pineapple, Strawberries
Summer:
Blackberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries, Watermelon
Fall:
Apples, Cranberries, Figs, Grapes, Pears, Pomegranate
How to Freeze
Freezing and storing frozen fruits and berries is easy. But there are a few tips and tricks you should know:
- Carefully hand wash your fruits and berries before freezing, removing any damaged or spoiled specimens.
- While you can freeze almost any fruit without sugar, they will have a better color, texture and flavor if frozen with some sugar. To prevent off flavors, freezer burn and light-colored fruits from browning, sprinkle dry C&H® Sugar onto them. You can add as little or much as you like. Just gently mix and pack in freezer containers.
- When freezing delicate berries like strawberries or raspberries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a plastic freezer bag or storage container.
- For fruits that tend to brown (apples, peaches, nectarines and apricots), it’s a good idea to treat them with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). To make an ascorbic acid wash: Dissolve ½ teaspoon of ascorbic acid powder, or finely crushed vitamin C tablets, in 3 tablespoons of water. Then, sprinkle this mixture over cut fruit. Note: It’s also a good idea to blanch your fruits at this time. You do this by dropping them into boiling water for one or two minutes. This will neutralize the fruit enzymes that cause off flavors to develop.
- Store your fruits and berries in the back of the freezer, so they don’t get partially thawed when opening and closing your freezer door.
- Don’t overheat. Defrosting fruits on the countertop or in the microwave for a minimal amount of time is the best way to retain freshness.
Turn Those Sweet Fruits into Sweeter Smoothies
If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to enjoy your frozen fruits, try using them for delicious smoothies. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite fruits and berries year-round. While all smoothies are delightful, our recipes for Strawberry Ginger Smoothies, Matcha Blueberry Smoothies and Chai Tea Smoothies are simply divine.
Strawberry Ginger Smoothies
A sweet and spicy treat, Strawberry Ginger Smoothies are made by blending strawberries, bananas, fresh ginger and the sweet taste of C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar. Easy and simple to make, this recipe is great for family get-togethers, special occasions and other events.
Matcha Blueberry Smoothies
Delight your friends and family with the unforgettable taste of Matcha Blueberry Smoothies. Made with the perfect combination of pineapple, blueberries, bananas, yogurt, matcha tea and C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar, everyone will simply love this frozen treat.
Chai Tea Smoothies
Invigorate your day with the sweet taste of a Chai Tea Smoothie. It’s deliciously made with chai tea, bananas and the great taste of C&H® Light Brown Sugar. Whether you’re enjoying this frosty beverage with friends, family or by yourself, one glass is never enough. So make extra!
Our convenient zipper bags help seal in the deep, complex flavor and freshness our brown sugars are known for. Plus, they're easy to store, are see through, and they're recyclable.
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