It is strawberry season. Don't buy those nasty storebought strawberries that spent a week on a truck. Go find a local strawberry farm in your area and pick your own. The taste cannot be beat. Pick a ton and then freeze them so you can enjoy them later in smoothies, pancakes, muffins etc.
To freeze strawberries without sugar, simply follow these steps:
- Wash berries in cold water and pat dry. Discard any strawberries
that show signs of mold, damage, or discoloration. Remove stems and
leaves with a small, sharp knife.
- Place berries on a baking sheet, arranging them close together but
not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for
about an hour, then transfer sheets to the freezer for 6 hours or
overnight.
- Once the berries are frozen, seal in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag and store in the freezer.
- Alternatively, you can crush or slice your strawberries before
freezing them. Place the berries in airtight containers. If using
sliced berries, mix one quart of water with 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon
juice; pour mixture over berries to cover. Seal containers and freeze.
The lemon juice will help the strawberries retain some of their color.