How To Store...Fresh Strawberries!!!

For my first installment of "How To Store..." we are doing strawberries! It is strawberry season (well now the tail end of it) and strawberries have been on sale. So I got two pounds and decided to freeze one lb and the other pound I stored in the fridge for snacking. I remember once hearing that you could not freeze strawberries, but obviously that is not true. What is true is that cooked or chocolate covered strawberries are more difficult to freeze, so make sure to keep them as raw as possible.


What You Will Need:
Porous Produce Wash
Paper Towels
Cutting Board
2 Bowls
Baking Tray
Zip Top Bag
2 Storage Containers
2 LB Fresh Strawberries (organic is preferred of course)

Mix together the produce wash and drop your strawberries in it (directions and produce wash found here)
After the washing is done set up a cutting area, keeping both bowls close by
I divided my strawberries 1 lb each. One lb for freezing and one lb for refrigeration

For the Fridge
Cut off the tops and throw both ends into their respective bowls
After you have cut the tops off of all the strawberries wet a 2 to 3 paper towels depending on the size of your storage container
Ring out as much water as possible, you want them to be slightly damp
Lay enough paper towels on the bottom of your container to cover the bottom
Place your strawberries onto the towel and then cover with enough damp towels
When putting your strawberries in teh fridge (if your fridge is anything like ours) try to places them more towards the front. Being too far in the back not only is the chance that you might forget you have them but there is also a chance of them freezing to the paper towels.

For the Freezer
Cut the tops off and throw into an extra bowl
Quarter the strawberries and throw into a bowl
Line your baking sheet with a baking mat or aluminum foil
Spread your strawberry peices out on the baking sheet and put into the freezer for about 30 minutes to 45 minutes
One time is the strawberries should be solid throughout
Remove the strawberry pieces from the baking sheet and put into a zip top bag
Put into the freezer for up to 6 months

Now what to do with the tops?
If you bought organic strawberries throw them into a storage container and into the freezer. They are a great source of nutrients that can be added to smoothies or any other dish where you want to add a healthy kick. Just another reason to buy organic!!

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