Strawberries freeze well. Packed in sugar or syrup they keep about 8 to 12 months at 0 F, and packed dry about 3 to 6 months. They go soft when thawed, so use them in smoothies, baking and sauces.
Extension guides describe two methods. A tray pack keeps the berries loose so you can pour out what you need. A syrup pack suits uncooked dessert use, because the sugar keeps the fruit firmer and sweeter. Either way, the berry will not stay firm once it thaws.
| Short answer | Yes |
|---|---|
| Tray pack | Single layer on a tray until frozen, then bag |
| Syrup pack | 50 percent syrup, about 1/2 to 2/3 cup per pint, with headspace |
| Storage | About 8 to 12 months packed in sugar or syrup, and 3 to 6 months packed dry, per NDSU |
| Texture | Soft after thawing |
How to freeze strawberries
- Wash and hull the berries and dry them well.
- For a tray pack, spread them in a single layer on a shallow tray and freeze.
- Package them promptly in freezer bags or containers once frozen.
- For a syrup pack, chill the syrup first, pour it over the berries and leave headspace.
- Label the date and use dry-packed berries within 3 to 6 months, and syrup or sugar packs within the year.
What happens when you get it wrong
- Soft berries. They collapse as they thaw, so they will not work as fresh berries.
- A solid clump. Berries bagged wet freeze together, which a tray pack avoids.
- Freezer burn. Air exposure dries the fruit and dulls the flavor.
Use frozen berries straight into smoothies, baking and sauces.
Eat fresh berries soon after buying, since they do not keep long.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to wash strawberries before freezing?
Yes, wash and hull them and dry them well so they do not clump.
How long do frozen strawberries last?
NDSU puts fruit packed in sugar or syrup at about 8 to 12 months, and fruit packed without sugar or liquid at about 3 to 6 months.
Can you thaw and eat them like fresh ones?
They are soft once thawed, so they are better in smoothies, sauces and baking.
Should you freeze them in syrup?
A syrup pack works well for uncooked desserts. A dry tray pack is more flexible.