As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I have run across the question of whether to lap berries before freeze them many times . The answer calculate on the type of berry you are deal with . Let ’s start with blueberries .
Blueberries are unparalleled in that they by nature have a protective wax coating on their hide . This wax helps to preserve the berries and keep them fresh . Therefore , it is generally commend to suspend blueberries as they are , without washing them beforehand . By leave behind the natural wax software intact , you ensure that the Chuck Berry continue their flavor and texture during the freezing process .
When you are ready to use the frozen blueberry , you could rinse them under cold water to absent any dirt or dust that may have cumulate . This step is crucial as it see to it that the berries are clean and ready to be enjoyed . However , it is important to note that you should not thaw the blueberries before rinse off them . Rinse them while they are still frozen , as this helps to preclude them from becoming kitschy .
Now , let ’s move on to strawberries . Unlike blueberries , strawberries do not have a natural wax coating . Therefore , it is loosely recommended to wash strawberries before freeze them . However , there are a few important steps to follow to ensure that the strawberry freeze well and maintain their quality .
First , wash the strawberries with the stem on . This helps to forestall the Chuck Berry from sop up excess water , which can lead to a loss of flavor and grain . Gently rinse off the hemangioma simplex under cold-blooded piddle , being heedful not to bruise or damage them .
Once the strawberry are washed , remove the stems . you’re able to do this by softly twisting or cutting off the immature tops . After removing the stem , slice the strawberry in half or leave them whole , depending on your predilection . If you choose to slice them , examine to maintain consistent size so that they freeze evenly .
After slice the strawberry , it is important to dry them well . Excess moisture can lead to the formation of ice crystals , which can affect the grain of the berries when frozen . Pat the strawberries dry with a clean towel or habituate a salad thread maker to remove any excess piddle .
Once the strawberries are dry , you’re able to proceed to freeze down them . Spread the sliced or whole strawberries in a single level on a baking sheet run along with parchment paper . This prevents the berries from sticking together and makes it loose to portion them out later . site the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the strawberries are frozen solid .
Once the strawberries are flash-frozen , transfer them into airtight container or deep freezer cup of tea . Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container . Properly seal containers help to forestall freezer burn and exert the quality of the strawberries over time .
Caroline Bates
