Summer is the perfect time to freeze berries for smoothies and jam for the year. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries are local favorites here in the Pacific Northwest. Frozen berries can then be pulled out of the freezer to be added to smoothies, breakfast toppings, desserts, and also made into jam.
How to Freez Berries
I always begin by washing and drying the berries using my typical washing instructions. I freeze my berries on a cookie sheet, so it is important to get a cookie sheet that will fit into your freezer. Double check that it fits before you start putting the berries on it. I line the cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the berries on the paper in a single layer on that. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 4-6 hours or until frozen solid.
Once they are frozen solid, you can transfer the berries into a silicone bag or freezer safe bag and store them in the freezer. Since they were frozen individually, it will prevent them from becoming a giant clump in the freezer. You will be able to take out just a few berries at a time as needed for smoothies, recipes, snacks, etc.
If you want a longer term storage for your frozen berries, you can use a vacuum sealer. I use a FoodSaver brand vacuum sealer and bags to preserve berries (you can find the FoodSaver online here and the bags here). Write the date, type of berry, and how many cups I will put in the bag before filling. Three-cup portions are a good size for our family for recipes.
I always plan for one year ahead and stock up on what I think we will use for that year until the next harvest time. I don't have to worry about buying too much because vacuum-sealed fruit lasts 2-3 years in the freezer. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, you could put them in quart-size freezer bags or silicone bags (I've used these kind here). They would need to be eaten up in the next 6-12 months.
Buying Berries to Freeze
During berry season, you can pick up extra fresh berries at a lower price. I usually buy raspberries and strawberries at local farm produce stands. Check local listings for farm stands, produce stands, u-pick fields, or farmers' markets in the summertime to purchase the freshest berries. If you only have a local store and no farms nearby, don't let that stop you from stocking up. You will still get fresh berries in the grocery store during this time.
When purchasing berries straight from the farm or produce stand, you normally purchase them by the pint. A box with 6 pint-size baskets is called a half flat. 2 boxes that contain 12 pint-size baskets are called a flat. Each of the little baskets holds approximately 2 to 2.5 cups of berries. For example, in the picture above are 2 flats of raspberries.
Check out my berry washing video on my YouTube Channel here.
Freezer Jam Recipe
If you have extra berries - fresh or frozen, you can give my Strawberry Chia Seed Jam a try. This is a low-sugar recipe and is not canned using a pressure canner. It is preserved by putting it in the freezer. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
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