Raspberries, like the other berries, are packed with antioxidants and full of nutrition and help us fight diseases. These dark-colored berries also serve as a great snack, without the added carbohydrates or sugar. But, the sad part is that they are available for a very short period of time.
So can only enjoy these fresh berries during the spring and the summers. But, freezing raspberries fresh during the peak of their season will allow you to enjoy them long after the season is over. And, frozen fruits are great for mixing into yogurts, smoothies, ice creams, oatmeals for breakfast, or wherever you like.
Here is a guide to how to freeze raspberries in 4 different ways. The step-by-step instructions make it quick and easy for you to preserve it properly.
Freezing Raspberries
Yes! You can definitely freeze these little, delicious succulent berries and you can freeze them as much as you want. Before you start preserving these berries, you need to prepare them. Let’s begin. Know the peak of the season and prep the table to store the fresh berries for a long time.
Choosing the right berries is important. The berries taste best during the peak of the season. They are ripe, and not overripe, juicy, fresh, tastes best and the least expensive during the peak of the season. The peak season for raspberries is usually from May through September.
Choose evenly colored, bright red raspberries. Overripe berries do not taste that good. Avoid any leaky mushy or discolored fruit. Also, make sure to discard the moldy fruits, as it may turn the other good berries bad.
Even though these bright red color jewels are delicate, they will be firm to touch. If touching them gives a very mushy feeling, then it is overripe. Discard it.
Editor’s Recommendation: Learn How to Freeze Strawberries
Steps to Freeze Fresh Raspberries at Home
1.Wash the Raspberries
Wondering how to wash raspberries without breaking them? We’ve got your back! Since the berries are very delicate. Do not wash them directly under the running water, as the berries may break apart. Instead, place them in a colander and fill it with cold water and give the berries a swiss in the water. This is important to get rid of the small twigs, dirt, and debris sticking to them.
2. Dry the Whole Berries
After washing the berries, spread them on kitchen towels or paper towels and allow them to air dry completely. Spread them out evenly so that they are not clustered together and touching one another. This will enhance the drying process.
3. Prepare the Tray
Place a wax sheet/baking sheet on a baking tray or a cookie tray. Place the dry berries on the tray in a single layer. Do not allow them to touch each other. If you freeze them clung together, you will end up destroying them when trying to get them apart.
4. Flash Freeze the Berries
Flash Freezing the berries will allow them to remain as it is without being clustered in the ziplock bag or the freezer container. Place the tray of raspberries in the freezer for at least two hours. You can keep it for up to a day. But do not keep longer, as they will end up getting freezer burns.
5. Place in the freezer bags or containers
Take the raspberries out, once they are frozen. Place them in the freezer bags or the freezer containers, wherever you wish to store them. Pop them back into the freezer. Do not forget to date and label your container or the freezer bag.
#Method 2
Drying Raspberries Using the Dehydrator
Here are simple instructions for drying raspberries using a food dehydrator. Dried raspberries are great to be added to muffins, cakes, and baked food. These steps are good for dehydrating cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries also.
- Wash the berries with water, making sure they are clean and allow them to dry on paper towel.
- Place the raspberries to the drying trays of the food dehydrator, keeping adequate space between them.
- Place the filled trays into the dehydrator.
- Close the dehydrator, and begin the drying process.
- The time it will take to dry the raspberries will depend on the model of the dehydrator.
- Check the process from time to time.
- The berries on the bottom racks usually dry sooner than the berries on the top racks and may need to be removed sooner.
- When the raspberries are dried, they will be leathery, but chewy.
- Allow the freshly dehydrated berries to cool, and then store them in airtight containers or bags, labeled with the date that they were dried.
- Always use the “oldest” dried raspberries first.
- Note: You can also cut the berries in half to speed up the drying time.
#Method 3
Adding Sugar to Sweeten the Berries
If you wish to sweeten your berries a little more add sugar. Place a handful of berries in the ziplock bag. Sprinkle sugar on them. Repeat the process until you have filled two-thirds of the bag. Allow the berries to defrost for ten to fifteen minutes. This will allow the berries to absorb the sugar. Pop the ziplock bag back into the freezer, to preserve them.
#Method 4
Store the Raspberries in Sugar Syrup
This method makes the raspberries a stand-alone dessert.
- Mix equal quantities of sugar and water and stir until completely dissolved. Bring it to a boil.
- Once it starts boiling, turn off the gas and let it cool.
- Pour in the cooled liquid in the raspberry container and freeze.
- You can store raspberries in a single serving bowl, and take out whenever you feel like having a snack.
How long do the raspberries stay fresh?
The raspberries stay fresh and flavorful for up to a year. But for the best taste, texture, and flavors, it is best to consume the berries within 6-9 months of freezing them.
Does freezing affect its nutritional value?
Freezing berries is a great way to enjoy them year long. And, if you concerned about the nutritional value and the antioxidants, then there is nothing to fear. As freezing the berries do not affect the nutritional value and the nutritional value is the same. In fact, our bodies absorb the nutrients better when frozen.
How to Use Frozen Raspberries?
You can use the frozen berries to make pie filling, add them to the muffins, make delicious jams and whatnot. Make a batch of raspberry sauce to serve along with pancakes for breakfast. Do not forget to top it up with fresh cream and the sweetened berries. You can use fresh frozen strawberries and blueberries to your yogurt and enjoy all the berries together.
I hope this article helps you preserve and freeze your favorite berries for the year around. Share your recipes which you make from the frozen raspberries in the comment section below.