Winter in the Northeast, sometimes you will find various berries in your favorite food store in abundance. Typically they are coming from California and on sale as buy one get one free. I stock up and freeze into a portions. This simple freeze method to will carry you through until you can buy local a the next harvest.
Remove strawberries green leafy stem and cut into halves or quarters depending on the size
Leave blackberries/ raspberries whole
Rinse all berries with cold water and drain.
Arrange berries in a single layer on a shallow tray, spray lightly with water
Place in your freezer for 60 minutes.
Scoop up all frozen berries and place preferred portion into individual freezer bags, label.
You can use this same freeze method with other fruits like apples, pears and peaches. Cut into preferred size and spray fruit with a 30% concentration of lemon juice/ water to prevent browning which occurs when exposed to air.
Stretch your local favorite fruits when in season by using this very simple freeze method!
For further information about freezing foods check out: USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, available online:
http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html
January 14, 2012
Quick and Yummy